A family in Florida is mourning after a tragic accident on New Year’s Eve. A 10-year-old girl, Yanelis Munguia, was killed by a stray bullet just as the clock struck midnight. The incident occurred while Yanelis and her family were out celebrating in the area of NW 27 Avenue and NW 21 Street in Miami.
Minutes after midnight, Yanelis suddenly collapsed. Her family quickly rushed to her and discovered she had been shot in the back of the head. Her grandfather, Ramon Valdizon, said, “All of a sudden, she fell down and her father got nearby, and all of a sudden, he started crying.”
The family immediately called 911, and paramedics from Hialeah Fire Rescue rushed to meet them. Yanelis was quickly transported to Jackson Ryder Trauma Center, but doctors could not save her, and she was pronounced dead.
Miami-Dade police are still looking for the person responsible for the gunshot. They believe the bullet came from celebratory gunfire, a common but dangerous tradition on New Year’s Eve. Miami-Dade police posted a message saying, “This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down. Bullets fired into the air can take innocent lives.”
The family is devastated by the loss. Yanelis had just celebrated her 10th birthday on December 26th. Her grandfather shared a video of her playing with sparklers with her younger brother, which they had filmed in happier times. “I don’t want what happened to my granddaughter to happen to anyone else,” Valdizon said.
Yanelis’ mother is also heartbroken and blames herself for the incident. The family is asking for help to find the person responsible for the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at (305) 471-8477.
The family shared that this joyous moment of celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. They hope no other family will have to experience the same pain.
