A Phoenix woman is now facing felony charges after prosecutors say she opened fire into a south Phoenix apartment in January and hit a 4-year-old boy in the face. The child, identified by relatives as Qahsiem Sinclair, survived emergency surgery and is recovering, according to his family. The suspect, 29-year-old Joanna Chalup Cortez, is charged with aggravated assault and is set to return to court this spring.
Grand Jury Indicts Suspect
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that a grand jury handed up an indictment Monday that charges Cortez with aggravated assault against children and other related counts, according to Arizona's Family. The indictment locks in the allegations tied to the Jan. 6 shooting at the Somo Lofts apartment complex in south Phoenix.
Security Video, Court Records Detail Chaotic Moments
Court filings and neighbor security footage show a woman shouting outside the apartment while holding what appears to be a rifle, then firing, according to ABC15. Investigators and family members say the bullet traveled through an open door and struck Qahsiem. Neighbors told police they were able to identify a vehicle tied to the suspect, and witnesses say Cortez later sent messages to the boy’s mother after the shooting.
Family Says Boy Expected To Survive
Relatives say Qahsiem underwent emergency surgery and is expected to pull through, although they warn he faces a long and difficult recovery, according to People. The family has created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his medical costs and support him as he heals both physically and emotionally.
Court Dates And Charges Ahead
Authorities say Cortez turned herself in the day after the shooting and was booked into the Maricopa County Jail, where a judge set her bond at $500,000. Her trial is scheduled to begin May 20, according to Arizona's Family. Prosecutors have charged her with aggravated assault against children along with other related offenses, and investigators say the case remains active.
