SHOW LOW, Ariz. — A 27-year-old Arizona man has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with the tragic shooting death of his 1-year-old daughter, an incident that took place in front of the child’s mother, according to prosecutors.
The Navajo County Attorney’s Office announced that Adam Joseph Montoya has been charged with two felony counts:
- Second-Degree Murder
- Child Abuse
Montoya has entered a not-guilty plea to both charges.
Details of the Incident
The heartbreaking event occurred on February 3 at a residence in Show Low, a small mountain community located about 180 miles northeast of Phoenix.
According to the Navajo County Attorney’s Office, Montoya allegedly used an AR-style rifle during the shooting. Emergency responders quickly transported the infant to a nearby medical center, but she was later pronounced dead.
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Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Montoya is currently being held on a $1 million bond. The Navajo County Public Defender’s Office, which is representing him, has declined to comment on the case.
Both the Show Low Police Department and the Navajo County Attorney’s Office have refrained from releasing further details as the investigation continues.
This tragic event has deeply impacted the Show Low community, raising concerns about domestic violence and gun safety. As legal proceedings move forward, the case remains under close scrutiny by local authorities and the public.