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A 10-year-old Latina girl died in Miami from a stray bullet that struck her on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday while she was celebrating the arrival of the New Year with her family.
The tragic incident occurred on Northwest 21st Terrace, near 27th Avenue, in the northwest section of Miami-Dade County, around 1:30 am.
The youngest, identified as Desire Yaneliz Munguia, had celebrated her birthday on December 26. She was originally from Nicaragua.
According to Local 10, the family was in the parking lot of the building where they live. The parents were lighting legal fireworks when the little girl fell to the ground. Upon inspecting her body, they discovered that she had a gunshot wound to the back of her neck.
They quickly placed her in their car and headed to the nearest hospital. During the journey, they called 911, and upon reaching near the intersection of Palm Avenue and West Third Street in Hialeah, they encountered paramedics from the Fire Department who transported the injured person to the Ryder Trauma Center of Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she later died.
A statement from the Miami-Dade Police reports that initial investigations indicate the girl was killed by "celebratory gunfire," and that she was struck by a bullet fired randomly into the sky from an unknown location by an unidentified individual.
"This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down. Bullets shot into the air can cost innocent lives," states the note.
Detective Andre Martin criticized those who continue the practice of shooting in the air during celebrations.
"We talk repeatedly every New Year about the fact that what goes up must come down, and this is a clear example of the dangers of indiscriminately shooting a firearm into the air. We have a 10-year-old girl who lost her life at the beginning of the year, and we have two parents, a mother and a father, who are now planning a funeral for their daughter to start their year," he said to Telemundo.
"It cannot be accepted. If you were the one who fired the weapon into the air, we need you to do the right thing. Accidents happen; this may not have been intentional. We need you to come forward and speak with our detectives so that this family can find closure," he added.
The authorities reached out to the community for assistance in clarifying the case. The person who fired the shot may not be aware of the consequences of their actions.
"We request your help to bring justice for this young victim and her family. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471 - 8477 or dial ** TIPS," the organization stated on Twitter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tragic incident involving the deceased girl in Miami
How did the tragedy of the girl struck by a stray bullet in Miami occur?
The girl, identified as Yaneliz Munguia, 10 years old, was struck by a stray bullet while celebrating New Year's with her family in the parking lot of their building in Miami-Dade. The bullet was fired into the air from an unidentified location.
What actions are the authorities taking to find the person responsible for the shooting?
The Miami-Dade Police have requested the community's assistance in identifying the person responsible for the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477 or dial ** TIPS.
What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents of gunfire in Miami?
The community is being made aware of the dangers of celebratory gunfire and the potentially fatal consequences it can have. Authorities remind us that what goes up must come down, and bullets fired into the air can lead to innocent deaths.
Why is community cooperation important in cases of armed violence in Miami?
Community cooperation is crucial for clarifying cases of gun violence and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The collaboration of witnesses and neighbors can provide vital information that helps resolve these cases.
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