A 10-year-old Latina girl was tragically killed by a stray bullet in Miami while celebrating New Year's Eve with her family. The heartbreaking incident took place between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in Northwest 21st Terrace, near 27th Avenue, in the northwest area of Miami-Dade County, around 1:30 a.m.
The young girl, Desire Yaneliz Munguia, originally from Nicaragua, had recently celebrated her birthday on December 26. According to Local 10, her family was gathered in the parking lot of their residence, legally setting off fireworks, when Desire suddenly collapsed. Upon closer inspection, they discovered she had been shot in the back of the neck.
In a desperate rush, her family placed her in their car and headed to the nearest hospital, contacting 911 during the drive. They encountered paramedics from the Fire Department at the intersection of Palm Avenue and West Third Street in Hialeah, who transferred the wounded girl to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she later passed away.
A statement from the Miami-Dade Police Department revealed that initial investigations suggest Desire was fatally injured by "celebratory gunfire." A random bullet fired into the sky from an unidentified location by an unknown individual struck her.
"This heart-wrenching tragedy is a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down. Bullets shot into the air can claim innocent lives," the statement emphasized.
Detective Andre Martin condemned the dangerous practice of firing guns into the air during celebrations. "We repeatedly warn every New Year that what goes up must come down, and this is a stark example of the dangers of firing a firearm indiscriminately into the air. We have a 10-year-old girl who lost her life at the start of the year, and now her parents are faced with the unimaginable task of planning her funeral," he told Telemundo.
"This is unacceptable. If you were the person who fired the gun into the air, we urge you to come forward. Accidents happen, and this may not have been intentional. Please speak with our detectives to provide closure for this family," he added.
The authorities are seeking the community's assistance in resolving the case. The individual who fired the gun may be unaware of the deadly consequences of their actions. "We ask for your help in bringing justice to this young victim and her family. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477 or dial **TIPS," the entity tweeted.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tragic Miami Shooting
What happened to Desire Yaneliz Munguia in Miami?
Desire Yaneliz Munguia, a 10-year-old girl, was killed by a stray bullet during a New Year's celebration in Miami.
Where did the tragic shooting occur?
The incident took place in Northwest 21st Terrace, near 27th Avenue, in the northwest area of Miami-Dade County.
What are the authorities doing to solve the case?
Authorities are requesting the community's help to identify the shooter and are encouraging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.