PHOENIX, Ariz. — A tragic incident of road rage has left a family shattered after a father and his 8-year-old daughter were fatally shot in south Phoenix. Police reported that 30-year-old Quincy Polk and his daughter, Envy Cardenas, lost their lives in the violence that erupted during a confrontation on Saturday afternoon near 19th Avenue and Baseline Road.
Joesra Martin, Polk’s mother, voiced her heartache, expressing the overwhelming grief of losing both her son and granddaughter in the senseless act. “You already killed my son; why did you have to kill my grandbaby too?” she lamented, capturing the anguish enveloping the family following the dual tragedy.
In addition to the fatalities, Polk’s fiancé, Alexis Cardenas, and their 5-year-old daughter, Nay’vi Blu Polk, also sustained injuries during the shooting. Alexis was critically injured and placed in a medically induced coma, with plans for facial reconstruction surgery. Family members shared that in a moment of awareness, she repeatedly wrote her daughter’s name, a poignant reflection of her struggle amid the crisis.
Nay’vi Blu, while recovering from a bullet wound in her leg that remains inoperable, has since been discharged from the hospital. The family’s youngest daughter, 1-year-old Alani Polk, was unharmed in the incident, providing a small glimmer of hope in a dark time.
Phoenix police disclosed that the confrontation began when Polk and another driver exchanged heated words while leaving a Lowe’s parking lot. After the initial altercation, the other driver returned, armed with a firearm, and opened fire on Polk’s family SUV.
The assailant, identified as 28-year-old Tyrone Dee Chilly, remained at the site of the shooting. Although he was hospitalized for unrelated reasons, he has since been released and taken into custody. He faces serious charges, including two counts of murder, alongside multiple counts of aggravated assault and endangerment.
The investigation continues as the community comes to terms with the tragic events. Many are calling for increased awareness and prevention measures surrounding road rage incidents in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As families like that of Quincy Polk seek justice, the impact of this senseless violence underscores the need for compassion and understanding on the roads.