Two men involved in a shootout at a bus stop that left an infant and one other person seriously injured received their prison sentences, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office has confirmed. The incident occurred back in May 2023 near the intersection of 43rd Ave. and Thomas Rd., according to a press release from the county attorney's office. The attack began when one of the assailants brandished a firearm and threatened a man's life, prompting a violent exchange of gunfire.
After an eye contact perceived as disapproval, gunman Miguel Ceja flashed his weapon and taunted the victim with the possibility of death. The victim, in an attempt to escape what seemed an imminent robbery, moved towards a nearby gas station. During his retreat, the man was hit by multiple bullets and returned fire. Over two dozen shots were exchanged between the assailants and the victim, with tragic consequences as a stray bullet from Ceja's gun struck a baby in the head who was inside an automobile at a red light.
The baby suffered a fractured skull but miraculously survived, as did the adult male victim despite being shot 17 times. Ceja has since pleaded guilty to Attempt to Commit Second-Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault—both classified as Class Two Dangerous Felonies—and was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment. His accomplice, Zackary Carrillo, who also pleaded guilty to Attempt to Commit Second-Degree Murder, will serve 10.5 years.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed her relief and the gravity of the situation, stating, "It’s miraculous that two innocent people, including a baby caught in the crossfire, didn’t lose their lives that day." She condemned the "blatant indifference for life all because of a perceived wrong look" exhibited by the defendants. Mitchell assured that such "senseless violence" would be met with full accountability in Maricopa County.
