Phoenix is mourning a tragic case of domestic violence that took the life of Ashlee Corona and left her young son, Maverick, injured. On Sunday, Phoenix police were summoned to the Avilla Gateway apartment complex near 99th Avenue and Indian School Road, upon receiving reports of a shooting shortly after 8:30 p.m., as mentioned by Fox 10 Phoenix.
Officers, who arrived at the scene were met with a situation that has become all too familiar: an instance that swiftly escalated from altercation to gunfire within the home. Sgt. Phil Krynsky of the Phoenix Police told Fox 10 Phoenix, "Officers made entry into the apartment and found a man and a woman dead, and a toddler suffering from a gunshot wound." The investigation has since led officials to believe that Andrew Corona fatally shot his wife, Ashlee, and son before committing suicide. Maverick, though wounded, is on the mend and expected to fully recover.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support in the community and initiated a conversation about the plight of domestic violence victims. Ashlee, a spirited 35-year-old mother, with a particular zeal for life, is remembered for her love of singing and dancing, as well as for her joy in motherhood, as reported by AZFamily. Ashlee's family, reeling from the loss, finds solace in her enduring influence through her son, Maverick. "She was so ecstatic when she became pregnant with him," Ashlee’s godmother, Eva Hernandez, said in a statement obtained by AZFamily. As he continues his recovery, hopes are that the boy will carry forward his mother’s legacy.
Rudy Lopez Jr., Ashlee's brother, insists on translating their personal agony into a broader message of awareness and prevention. “It's way too high of a risk at this point. It can be as simple as a little fight," he told Fox 10 Phoenix.
Similarly, Ashlee's cousin, Adrianna Arias, urges those in threatening situations to seek support. "If you are in a situation where you can’t find yourself getting out of, talk to your family and friends. There is help for people who are going through it," she conveyed in an interview with AZFamily. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to aid with funeral costs and to support Maverick's future.
