A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in South Phoenix Tuesday night when a 5-year-old girl, identified by family as Layla Ramos, was fatally shot by her 9-year-old brother in what authorities describe as an accidental shooting.
Phoenix police initially responded to a call reporting a stabbing near 7th Avenue and Buckeye Road shortly after 9:00 p.m. Officers later found the caller at a behavioral health hospital, where they were seeking emergency care for Layla, who had sustained a gunshot wound.
Despite efforts to save her, the young girl succumbed to her injuries. During the investigation, police determined the shooting occurred inside the family’s home near 7th Avenue and Broadway Road. Authorities say the firearm involved belonged to the children’s father, 33-year-old Irvin Ramos-Jimenez, Fox 10 Phoenix reported.
According to prosecutors, the weapon—a military-style assault rifle—was reportedly stored in the bedroom of the 9-year-old boy. Ramos-Jimenez, who is legally prohibited from possessing firearms, was arrested and booked into the county jail for possession of a weapon by a prohibited person.
During a Wednesday hearing, Maricopa County prosecutors requested a $250,000 secured bond for Ramos-Jimenez. “He brought a gun into a home with kids, and not just any gun. It was an assault rifle,” a prosecutor told the court.
However, the presiding judge denied the bond request and released Ramos-Jimenez on his own recognizance. As part of the release conditions, the judge ordered him not to contact any victims or witnesses in the case. The devastating loss has rocked the family and local community. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses for Layla.
Her mother, Dolores Ramirez, issued a heartfelt statement to ABC15, honoring her daughter’s memory:
“My sweet daughter Layla was only five years old, but she filled our world with love and light far beyond her years. She had the gentlest soul—kind, soft-hearted, and always so loving. Layla was the kind of child who made everyone feel special with just a smile or a quiet hug. She was so excited for school to start soon; she would talk about it with such joy and anticipation. She loved deeply and purely, and that love will stay with us forever. Though her time with us was far too short, Layla’s beautiful spirit will always live on in our hearts.”
Phoenix police continue to investigate the incident as the community mourns the loss of a young life taken far too soon.