A tragic incident in Florida has left a family devastated after a 10-year-old girl was hit and killed by a stray bullet while celebrating New Year’s Eve. Police report that at 12:04 a.m. on January 1, Yaneliz Munguía was with her family near NW 27th Ave. and NW 21st St. in northwest Miami when she was hit by celebratory gunfire.
Miami-Dade Police Department expressed their anguish, stating: “This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down. Bullets fired into the air can take innocent lives.” Yaneliz was outside his apartment with his family, who were lighting fireworks when the tragic incident occurred.
The bullet hit her in the back of the head and when Yaneliz collapsed, her parents discovered the gunshot wound. In a desperate attempt to save their daughter, her parents rushed to the hospital and called for help along the way. According to CBS News MiamiHialeah Fire Rescue met them on the road and took Yaneliz to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
As authorities continue to search for the person responsible for the stray bullet, Yaneliz’s family mourns their deep loss. Her grandfather, Ramón Valdizol, expressed his regret, saying in Spanish: “Every time I came, she was always happy to see me and now I can’t stand entering her house and not being able to see her again. “My soul hurts.”
To help cover medical and funeral expenses, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign. Estephanie Gómez, who shared the campaign on Facebook, wrote: “Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a big difference for the family that needs us all. Please donate and share this post.
“Together we can unite and show that even in the darkest moments, solidarity and love prevail.” As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $29,000. Yaneliz, originally from León, Nicaragua, was remembered as “full of dreams and joy.”
Gómez added that the tragedy had left his family devastated and struggling. Yaneliz was a fourth-grade student at Melrose Elementary School, where a teacher lovingly described her as “such a sweet, quiet girl who took great care of her little brother in kindergarten.”
Teacher Murenne Philistin wrote: “I can’t imagine what your family is going through.” The tragic loss serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by gunshots during New Year’s celebrations.