Phoenix PD: Baby survives after man shot, killed pregnant girlfriend

Christopher Kraft, 34, has been booked on suspicion of second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, 23-year-old Jasmine Ponce.

Police first learned of the shooting at Hidden Cove Apartments, which is southwest of 19th Avenue and Union Hills Drive, shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday.

"Kraft was involved in a dispute with the residents of another apartment when threats were made to obtain guns," according to Sgt. Vince Lewis of the Phoenix Police Department.

At that point, Kraft went back to his apartment to get his gun.

"Ponce was attempting to prevent Kraft from leaving the apartment to confront the other party when he shot her," Lewis said.

According to court paperwork, a witness said Ponce had been shot in the head.

Ponce was 36 weeks pregnant. Doctors were able to deliver her baby boy, but they could not save her. Lewis said the infant was in good condition at last check.

Babies born at 36 weeks are considered late preterm, and while there are potential complications, the risks are much lower than those for babies born at 35 weeks, according to Healthline.com.

The probable cause for arrest statement says Kraft threw away the handgun before officers arrived. Police found it in a backpack by the dumpster in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Because of that, police also booked Kraft on suspicion of tampering with evidence.

A judge set a secured appearance bond of $150,000 for Kraft.

He is due back in court for a status conference on Nov. 6, and then a preliminary hearing on Nov. 8