Nationwide — A tragic shooting in South Phoenix, Arizona, has left a family mourning the deaths of 8-year-old Envy Cardenas and her father, Quincy Polk, after their car was sprayed with gunfire in a parking lot near 19th Avenue and Baseline Road. Five family members were struck in total, and the violent attack has shaken an entire community. For their loved ones, the pain is overwhelming. “I’ve got a whole part of me missing that ain’t ever going to be filled,” said Joesra Martin, the mother of Polk and grandmother of Cardenas. “I’m never going to see my son again. I ain’t ever going to see my grandbaby again.”
Police said the violence began with a confrontation between two drivers Saturday afternoon. Investigators have not confirmed whether it was road rage, but said Polk and the suspect exchanged punches before separating and returning to their vehicles. Moments later, the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Tyron Dee Chilly, allegedly pulled out a gun and fired several times into Polk’s car, striking both children, their parents, and another family member. Polk and 8-year-old Cardenas died at the scene.
According to NBC 12 News, family members said the shooting made no sense and that both victims were innocent of anything that could justify such brutality. “This made no sense that my son had to die this way,” Martin said. “And then to turn around and hurt my grandbaby also… that was just overboard.” Relatives described Polk as a devoted father who went everywhere with his girls and Cardenas as a bright, joyful child with a promising future.
The violence also left survivors with life-changing injuries. Cardenas’ mother is still hospitalized after being shot in the face, neck, and shoulder. Her five-year-old sister was shot in the leg and, according to the family, will be forced to live with the bullet for the rest of her life because doctors cannot safely remove it. “She’s going to have a bullet in her leg for the rest of her life,” Martin said. Despite their injuries, both are expected to recover.
Loved ones hope the tragedy will help raise awareness about how quickly heated confrontations can escalate into deadly encounters. They urged drivers to avoid physical altercations and walk away before anger turns violent. “Get home to your family, it’s not worth it,” said Polk’s aunt, Jannifer McCree, emphasizing that split-second choices can change lives forever.
Chilly was arrested shortly after the shooting and is now facing several charges, including two counts of murder. Detectives are asking anyone with additional information, photos, or videos to contact Phoenix Police or reach out to Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS to remain anonymous. A fundraiser has been launched to help the family cover memorial and medical expenses as they navigate unimaginable loss.