Phoenix, AZ – A woman has been arrested after allegedly shooting a 4-year-old boy in the face. Joanna Chalup Cortez, 29, faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and disorderly conduct with a firearm.
The incident occurred on January 6 at an apartment complex near 29th Street and Weir Avenue. Qahsiem Sinclair was struck in the cheek by a bullet that managed to exit without hitting any critical areas.
Witnesses reported that the boy’s father believed his son had narrowly survived the ordeal. Family members had been present and were able to provide details to local news outlets.
According to police, moments leading up to the shooting involved a confrontation between Chalup Cortez and another woman. This dispute escalated after Chalup Cortez sent alarming text messages to Qahsiem’s mother, stating that she intended to “shoot up the house.”
At approximately noon, Chalup Cortez returned to the apartment complex, exited her vehicle, and fired a rifle toward the residence. Security footage captured the moment.
She fled the scene, and the boy was immediately transported to a hospital where he is expected to recover. Qahsiem’s family set up a GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses following what they described as an “absolutely heartbreaking” situation.
On Wednesday, Chalup Cortez surrendered to law enforcement. Court documents revealed that she subsequently sent text messages to the boy’s mother claiming that she did not realize Qahsiem was outside during the incident.
