by Phoenix, Arizona – A 29-year-old woman is behind bars after allegedly shooting a 4-year-old boy in the face at a Phoenix apartment complex, leaving the child hospitalized but expected to recover. Authorities say the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute that escalated dangerously.
Joanna Chalup Cortez, 29, faces multiple charges including two counts of aggravated assault, discharging a firearm at a residence, and disorderly conduct with a firearm, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Timeline of the Incident
The shooting occurred on January 6, 2026, around noon near 29th Street and Weir Avenue at the Somo Lofts apartment complex. The boy, identified as Qahsiem Sinclair, was struck in the cheek by a bullet, which miraculously passed through without hitting vital organs, though it did damage some of his teeth.
“Just by inches, my son would not be here by now,” Qahsiem’s father, Meishaq Sinclair, told ABC affiliate KNXV. “I thought that was my son’s last breath. I thought that was it.”
Background and Lead-Up
Court documents reviewed by local outlets, including KTVK and KPHO, suggest the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute involving Chalup Cortez, Qahsiem’s mother, and another woman who had previously dated Cortez’s boyfriend.
The conflict escalated over the course of the morning, with the women driving to the apartment complex where the ex-boyfriend’s brother lives with Qahsiem. Surveillance footage and police reports indicate that Cortez returned to the complex in anger, honking, shouting demands, and eventually firing a rifle at the residence.
Cortez allegedly texted and called Qahsiem’s mother, warning she was going to “shoot up the house” before discharging the firearm.
Response and Arrest
When police arrived, Cortez had left the scene, and the child was rushed to a nearby hospital. Qahsiem is now recovering, though family members said he remains traumatized and in shock.
“Playing with his toys right now, still in shock, still traumatized a little bit,” Qahsiem’s father said.
Cortez later turned herself in to authorities and is being held in the Maricopa County Jail on $500,000 bond.
The victim’s family established a GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses, describing the shooting as “absolutely heartbreaking.”
Defendant’s Statements
Cortez allegedly admitted responsibility for the incident in social media posts and text messages but claimed she did not intend to harm the child. According to the family, she stated:
“I will be turning myself in because I did NOT intentionally hurt a CHILD… How can you say I feel no remorse when I didn’t even know until I was called.”
She also reportedly reached out directly to the boy’s mother to explain her side, insisting she was unaware Qahsiem was outside when she fired the weapon.
Public Safety Context
Authorities emphasize that incidents involving firearms and young children are extremely dangerous and can result in long-term trauma. Experts urge caregivers and community members to immediately report unsafe situations to law enforcement to prevent accidents and injuries.
Conclusion
Joanna Chalup Cortez remains in custody following the shooting of 4-year-old Qahsiem Sinclair, who is now expected to recover. The case highlights the risks posed by firearm misuse and the vulnerability of children in domestic disputes.
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