Woman Charged After 4-Year-Old Shot in the Face in Phoenix Over Alleged Breakup Dispute

A 29-year-old woman has been charged after a 4-year-old boy was shot in the face at a south Phoenix home on Jan. 6, authorities said. Joanna Chalup Cortez surrendered to police the next day and now faces multiple counts, including aggravated assault and discharging a firearm at a residence, the Phoenix Police Department confirmed.

What Happened

Officers responded to a south Phoenix residence at about 12:19 p.m. local time and discovered the child — later identified by family as 4-year-old Qahsiem Sinclair — suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Family members and local outlets reported the bullet entered the left side of Qahsiem’s face, passed through his cheek and knocked out multiple teeth.

GettyStock image of a police car

Alleged Motive And Sequence

According to court records, witness statements and local reporting, the shooting appears to stem from an argument tied to a romantic breakup. Chalup Cortez had been dating the boy’s uncle and had been at the home earlier in the day before leaving and later returning. Court documents and witnesses say she threatened to “shoot up the house” before the shooting.

Family members told reporters that Chalup Cortez drove back to the residence, began honking and demanded someone come outside. The boy’s uncle was headed to the front door when the shot was heard; Qahsiem followed him toward the doorway on a scooter and was struck.

gorodenkoff/GettyStock image of police crime tape

Aftermath And Investigation

Qahsiem was taken to a hospital with what police described as “serious injuries.” Family and a GoFundMe page set up to help with medical bills later described the child as stable and expected to survive, though they cautioned that physical and emotional recovery will take time.

“It’s tragic. It sucks, but I’m glad my son is still here,” Qahsiem’s father, Meishaq Sinclair, told ABC 15. “If the bullet had been inches over, he would not be here by now.”

Chalup Cortez surrendered to law enforcement on Jan. 7 and faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and discharging a firearm at a residence. The Phoenix Police Department said detectives do not believe there are any additional suspects and that the investigation remains active.

Family Response

Family members have shared that Qahsiem is receiving care and is “stable,” but they note that recovery will be ongoing. A GoFundMe organized by relatives seeks financial assistance for medical and recovery needs. Community members and relatives described the incident as devastating and have expressed relief the child survived.

Note: The details above are based on police reports, court records and local media accounts cited by Phoenix-area outlets. The investigation is ongoing and charges are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in court.