A tragic incident unfolded in northwest Miami-Dade on New Year’s Day as a 10-year-old girl, Yanelis Munuguia, was struck by a stray bullet while celebrating with her family.
Yanelis Munuguia had recently turned ten, her birthday coming just after Christmas. She was enjoying New Year’s festivities with her family on Northwest 21st Terrace near 27th Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m. The family was engaged in the traditional act of lighting legal fireworks when an unexpected tragedy occurred.
As Yanelis’s parents witnessed her collapse, they rushed to her side and discovered a gunshot wound to her head. Acting swiftly, they placed her in their vehicle, desperately seeking the nearest hospital. While on their way, they contacted emergency services and ended up near Palm Avenue and West Third Street in Hialeah. Rescue teams responded and transported Yanelis to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the medical team, Yanelis succumbed to her injuries. The Miami-Dade police confirmed that the young girl was hit by a stray bullet fired into the air by an unknown individual. This incident underscores the severe risks associated with celebratory gunfire. Detective Andre Martin from Miami-Dade Police Department expressed, “We say time and time again, every New Year’s, that what goes up must come down. This is a prime example of the dangers of shooting a firearm into the air.”
Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward by contacting Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. The community remains on edge as authorities continue their investigation into the source of the fatal gunfire.
The heartbreaking loss of Yanelis Munuguia on what was meant to be a day of joy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of irresponsible firearm use. Authorities are diligently working to bring closure to her family by finding those responsible.
Source: Local10
