South Phoenix, January 8, 2026
A 4-year-old boy in South Phoenix was shot in the face, leaving him with non-life-threatening injuries. Joanna Chalup Cortez, 29, has been arrested and faces multiple charges including aggravated assault and discharging a firearm. The incident, which occurred near 32nd Street and Broadway Road, has raised concerns in the community. Authorities are seeking any information or video evidence to aid the investigation, which currently does not believe there are additional suspects involved.
Phoenix
An arrest has been made in connection with the shooting of a toddler in South Phoenix, an incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon and left the child with non-life-threatening injuries. Joanna Chalup Cortez, 29, was identified as the suspect and surrendered to authorities on January 7, 2026. She is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault and discharging a firearm at a residence.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
Phoenix police officers responded to a call regarding “unknown trouble” in the area of 32nd Street and Broadway Road around 12:19 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Upon arrival, officers found a 4-year-old boy, identified as Qahsiem Sinclair, suffering from gunshot wounds. The child was transported to a local hospital, where his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, and he is expected to recover.
A witness at the scene reported hearing a gunshot and observing the child, who appeared to have been shot on the left side of his face, crying. Initially, investigators believed the shooting might have stemmed from a domestic violence situation, but later evidence suggested this might not be the case. Police had reported that two suspects fled the scene before officers arrived, and a white car was seen leaving the area, though its direct involvement remained uncertain at the time.
Arrest and Charges
The arrest of Joanna Chalup Cortez occurred after she surrendered to police on January 7, 2026. Cortez is facing charges of aggravated assault and discharging a firearm. Authorities do not believe there are any additional suspects directly involved in the shooting, but the case remains an active investigation.
Community Involvement
The Phoenix Police Department has urged the community to come forward with any information or video evidence related to the incident to assist in piecing together the events. The public was asked to contact Silent Witness with any relevant footage or details.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in South Phoenix?
- A 4-year-old toddler, Qahsiem Sinclair, was shot in the face in South Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon, January 6, 2026, and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
- Who was arrested in connection with the shooting?
- Joanna Chalup Cortez, 29, was arrested on January 7, 2026, in connection with the shooting of the Phoenix toddler.
- What are the charges against Joanna Chalup Cortez?
- Joanna Chalup Cortez is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault and discharging a firearm at a residence.
- When did the shooting occur?
- The shooting occurred on Tuesday afternoon, January 6, 2026, around 12:19 p.m.
- What is the condition of the injured toddler?
- The 4-year-old toddler, Qahsiem Sinclair, was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
Key Details of the Phoenix Toddler Shooting Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | South Phoenix, near 32nd Street and Broadway Road |
| Date of Shooting | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
| Time of Call | Approximately 12:19 p.m. |
| Victim | 4-year-old toddler, Qahsiem Sinclair |
| Victim’s Injury | Gunshot wound to the left side of the face; non-life-threatening |
| Suspect Identified | Joanna Chalup Cortez, 29 |
| Date of Arrest | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 |
| Charges | Aggravated assault, discharging a firearm at a residence |
| Investigation Status | Active; no additional suspects believed to be involved |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
