Brother of Phoenix woman killed by husband says 'I don't wish this on anybody'
PHOENIX - We're learning more about the Phoenix woman who was shot and killed by her husband in what's being investigated as a murder-suicide.
Phoenix Police say officers responded to reports of a shooting at around 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5. The scene was found near 99th Avenue and Indian School Road at the Avilla Gateway apartment complex.
"When officers arrived, they were informed by callers there was an argument followed by multiple shots fired inside an apartment," Sgt. Phil Krynsky said. "Officers made entry into the apartment and found a man and a woman dead, and a toddler suffering from a gunshot wound."
Police say Andrew Corona shot his wife Ashlee Corona and their son before taking his own life. Luckily, the boy is expected to be OK.
Ashlee's family is already making an effort to spread an anti-domestic violence message as they honor her life and make plans to support her three-year-old son, Maverick.
The list of things Rudy Lopez Jr. says he'll miss about his sister Ashlee is endless.
"Her laugh, her smile, just her energy altogether," he said on Jan. 8.
Ashlee was a natural performer, and she and the other three Lopez siblings were known for performing at getogethers and other events. They called themselves "L-4."
"Me and my siblings, we all got together, lined up in front of everybody and put on New Edition, or whoever it was, and we'd just perform music together," Lopez said.
To Ashlee, family was everything, and Lopez says she often hid her own struggles and emotions.
"She put her family first, checked on us and made sure we were OK, and no matter what she was going through, you know, behind closed doors, whatever, she always wanted to make sure that we were OK," Lopez said.
Above all, Ashlee loved her son Maverick, known as "Baby Mavy" by the family.
"He's honestly the spitting image of her, everything, down to the dancing, just, you know, his personality, you can see it in him," Lopez said.
Ashlee's family says Maverick is recovering in the hospital, and they're hoping to have him home in a week.
"It is a big transition for him, going from two parents and having this situation happen, but I mean, I know our side of the family's going be there the best that we can, and I know he'll get that same support from the other side of the family. I can speak on our family to make sure that he's going be well taken care of," Lopez said.
He says he wants this pain to translate into advocacy against domestic violence and gun violence.
"It's way too high of a risk at this point. It can be as simple as a little fight," Lopez said. "I don't wish this on anybody."
You can click here for more information on how to support the family and Maverick.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Support in Spanish is also available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide.
Domestic violence resources
If you believe you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788. A live online chat is also available.