A New Year’s celebration turned tragic in northwest Miami-Dade as 10-year-old Yanelis Munuguia was killed by a stray bullet.
Yanelis Munuguia was celebrating with her family in the 2100 block of Northwest 27th Avenue when she suddenly collapsed. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m., according to Miami-Dade Police officials. Her parents, in a desperate search for injuries, found a fatal wound to the back of her head. Immediately, they placed her in a car, searching for a hospital while concurrently contacting emergency services.
As they arrived in the area of Palm Avenue and West 3rd Street, Hialeah Fire Rescue found Yanelis and transported her swiftly to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. Tragically, the young girl was pronounced dead upon arrival. Having just celebrated her 10th birthday on December 26, Yanelis’s sudden death weighs heavy on her family and the community.
Police believe that the bullet was fired into the air by an unidentified individual from an unknown location. Detective Andre Martin remarked on the consistent warnings given each New Year’s about the dangers of shooting firearms indiscriminately into the sky. He stated, “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.”
The Homicide Bureau is actively investigating the incident. Det. Martin urged the shooter to come forward, emphasizing that while the act may not have been deliberate, accountability is necessary. “It can’t be accepted,” he said. “If you were the person who was firing the weapon into the air, we need you to do the right thing. Accidents happen, this may not have been on purpose, we need you to come forward and speak to our detectives so this family can have closure.”
The community is left reeling from the loss of a young life due to a senseless act. Authorities continue to seek information on the shooter, urging anyone with knowledge to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers.
Source: Nbcmiami
