Arizona Man Shoots Stepsister’s Teen Boyfriend in the Neck After Confronting Him With Bizarre Questions, Police Say
GILBERT, ARIZONA — A weekend family gathering at a suburban Arizona home turned violent after a man allegedly shot his stepsister’s teenage boyfriend in the neck following a series of strange confrontations and verbal taunts, according to police.
Authorities say Rael Sanchez, 21, is charged with attempted second-degree murder in the shooting, which occurred Saturday evening at a residence in the 900 block of South Deerfield Lane in Gilbert.
Strange Confrontation Inside Teen’s Bedroom
According to court documents reviewed by local media, a teenage girl who lives at the home had her 16-year-old boyfriend visiting while Sanchez — described as a relative of one of the homeowners — was also present.
Sometime before 8 p.m., Sanchez entered the girl’s bedroom and asked the boyfriend if he had his phone number. When the teen said no, Sanchez laughed and walked away.
The boyfriend then asked if Sanchez wanted his number, but the encounter ended without further explanation, police said.
Gun Visible as Suspect Taunted Teen Outside
After the encounter, the couple went outside toward a nearby basketball court behind the home. The girl later told police she saw Sanchez talking to another family member and noticed a gun in his waistband as he approached them.
Authorities say Sanchez appeared agitated and impaired, slurring his words while making hostile remarks toward the boyfriend, including:
“You ain’t s—”
“You ain’t about s—.”
Concerned, the girl went back inside and warned family members about Sanchez’s behavior. She said relatives dismissed it, telling her Sanchez was simply “checking” the boyfriend.
Gunshot Heard as Teen Collapses Inside Home
When the girl returned outside, Sanchez was still focused on the boyfriend, holding a bag and repeatedly saying “take me to Asia,” according to police reports. She said her boyfriend appeared frightened.
As the couple walked back into the home, the girl reported hearing a loud “pop” before seeing her boyfriend collapse to the floor.
Police say Sanchez shot the teen in the neck, causing catastrophic injuries.
Victim Left Critically Injured, Facing Possible Paralysis
Gilbert police arrived to find the teen suffering from serious gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Medical staff later informed officers that the bullet damaged the teen’s spine, and when he regained consciousness, he reportedly could not feel his arms or legs. Doctors said he would likely be paralyzed if he survives, according to reports.
Suspect Flees, Arrested the Next Morning
After the shooting, Sanchez allegedly ran from the home and drove away in his father’s pickup truck.
Police were unable to locate him that night. He was found the following morning by Phoenix police, who detained him before he was transported to a hospital for undisclosed injuries. Once released, he was taken into custody by Gilbert police.
Family members reportedly told authorities they believed Sanchez was experiencing mental health issues prior to the shooting.
$1 Million Cash-Only Bond Set
Sanchez is currently being held in the Maricopa County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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