John Jefferson
Adam Joseph Montoya (Navajo County, Arizona Sheriff’s Office).
A 27-year-old man in Arizona is accused of killing his 13-month-old daughter, allegedly shooting the child with an AR-style rifle while the victim’s mother watched in horror.
Adam Joseph Montoya was taken into custody earlier this month and charged with one felony count of second-degree murder — domestic violence and one felony count of child abuse — domestic violence, authorities announced.
According to a news release from the Navajo County Attorney’s Office, the crime took place on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at a residence in Show Low, Arizona, which is about 175 miles southwest of Phoenix.
“It is alleged that on February 3, Montoya shot his infant daughter with an AR-15 rifle in front of the child’s mother, resulting in the baby’s death,” the release states.
Officers with the Show Low Police Department and emergency medical personnel with the Timber Mesa Fire Department responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at the residence. Upon arriving at the scene, first responders located the baby, who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.
EMS immediately transported the infant to Summit Regional Medical Center for treatment. Medical personnel attempted lifesaving procedures, but the little girl succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after she arrived at the facility.
Prosecutors and police involved in the case have not provided any additional information on the shooting or a possible motive, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Montoya was placed under arrest and transported to the Navajo County Jail. He remained in detention on bond of $1 million as of Thursday afternoon, jail records reviewed by Law&Crime show.
Montoya is currently scheduled to appear in Division I of the Navajo County Superior Court at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, for a pretrial conference as well as a hearing on his possible release. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being represented in the matter by the Navajo County Public Defender’s Office, according to a report from The Associated Press.
Prosecutors emphasized in the release that the indictment contains mere allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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