Man and woman found dead inside Phoenix apartment, toddler also injured
PHOENIX - A man and woman were found dead inside a Phoenix apartment and a toddler was also injured, the police department said on Sunday night.
Phoenix Police say officers responded to reports of a shooting at around 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5 near 99th Avenue and Indian School Road. It happened inside 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."
The victims were identified as 38-year-old Andrew Corona and 35-year-old Ashlee Corona. The child was hospitalized in critical condition.
"Preliminary information suggests the male, 38-year-old Andrew Corona, shot his wife, 35-year-old Ashlee Corona, and their child in common before turning the gun on himself," Sgt. Krynsky added.
Investigators are working to determine what led up to the shooting.
‘It just escalated to 0 to 100'
Neighbors say this couple had a toxic relationship. They had heard them argue before, and Sunday night was no different.
Thanks to one man who paid attention to when they stopped arguing, their little boy may survive.
"I heard arguing, and I heard multiple gunshots," a witness named Ruben Ojeda said. He then called 911.
He wasn't sure if the explosions he heard were fireworks, but what forced his hand was the sound of silence.
"That’s when I think reality started to kick in. Luckily, I heard the baby cry. It wasn’t even a loud cry, it was muffled, I’m not sure if, you know, she was on top of him, or what the scenario was. But that’s what pushed me to make that phone call," Ojeda said.
Neighbors said they heard the couple arguing on and off for a year, but Sunday night’s fight seemed louder than usual.
"It didn’t even last, from what I heard, five seconds. It just escalated to 0 to 100," Ojeda recalled.
Police have only said the toddler was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but Ojeda says the family believes the child will survive.
"From what I was told was, without that call, it’s possible the baby could have bled to death. Even if the baby wasn’t harmed, we don’t know how long he would have been in the house by himself. Hopefully the baby pulls through, so that’s just the best scenario that we’re hoping for," Ojeda said.
Ashlee’s sisters arrived at the home on Monday, so it appears there will be a support system for the little boy.
Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. 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. You can also chat with crisis counselors via online chat.
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