A family is starting the New Year in mourning after a stray bullet struck and killed a 10-year-old girl right as the clock struck midnight. Police in Florida are reportedly still searching for the person responsible for firing the gun that killed Yanelis Munguia.
Miami-Dade police stated that Munguia and her family were out celebrating the new year in the area of NW 27 Avenue and NW 21 Street when she suddenly collapsed minutes after midnight, per Law and Crime. Family members rushed to the child’s aid and realized that she had a gunshot wound in the back of her head.
“All of a sudden, she fell down and her father got nearby, and all of a sudden, he started crying,” Ramon Valdizon, the victim’s grandfather, said to local ABC affiliate WSVN in Spanish.
The outlet stated that family members loaded the girl in the car and called 911. It was reported that Hialeah Fire Rescue managed to meet the family in the area of Palm Avenue and West Third Street and rushed the girl to Jackson Ryder Trauma Center where doctors pronounced her dead.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the tragic loss of a 10-year-old girl, who was killed due to celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Day near NW 27 Avenue and NW 21 Street in Miami,” police said in a post on X. “This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down. Bullets fired into the air can take innocent lives.”
“We are asking for your help to bring justice for this young victim and her family. Anyone with information is urged to contact @CrimeStopper305 at (305) 471 – 8477 or by dialing **TIPS,” the post concluded.
According to Valdizon, “My daughter is devastated. She blames herself for what happened.”
Munguia’s family stated that the girl had just celebrated her 10th birthday the day after Christmas. In tribute to the young girl, the family shared a video with local media of her playing with sparklers alongside her 6-year-old brother.
“I don’t want what happened to my granddaughter to happen to anyone else,” Valdizon told WSVN. One family member who spoke to the outlet via a translator said that it was “a moment of happiness turned into a tragedy.”
Valdizon stated that the young girl was just a foot away from her brother when she was struck. “They’ve never been apart, and it’s really hard for a 6-year-old kid,” said Valdizon.“I cannot stand to go in that house and not see her again.”
One neighbor, Omar Figueras, stated that he was shocked to hear what had happened. “This is sad. It’s not a common thing, not in this corner,” he said.
Shortly after the incident, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released a statement on the incident on X. “Our hearts are with the family mourning the loss of their beloved 10-year-old, whose life was tragically cut short by reckless gunfire,” the statement read. “Let us unite to prevent further senseless acts. Please contact Crime Stoppers with any tips at (305) 471-8477 or dial **TIPS.”
Law enforcement officials have expressed their frustration in their attempts to locate the person responsible.
“We speak time and time again every New Year’s about the fact that what goes up must come down and this is a prime example of the dangers of shooting a firearm indiscriminately into the air,” Miami-Dade police Det. Andre Martin told NBC affiliate WTVJ. “We have a 10-year-old girl who lost her life at the beginning of the year, we have two parents, a mother and a father, who are now planning a funeral for their daughter to start their year off.”
Last modified: January 6, 2025
