NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A devastated family is speaking out after, police said, a 10-year-old girl was shot and killed by a stray bullet as she and her loved ones rang in the new year in Northwest Miami-Dade.
Loved ones were left heartbroken and grieving after, investigators said, 10-year-old Yaneliz Munguia was shot and killed, just minutes after the clock struck midnight on Wednesday.
One relative spoke with 7News in Spanish.
“A moment of happiness turned into a tragedy,” she said.
According to Miami-Dade Police, the young victim was celebrating outside with her family near Northwest 27th Avenue and 21st Terrace when she suddenly collapsed at around 12:04 a.m.
A family video was taken showing Munguia waving sparklers like any kid would do on New Year’s Eve — just moments before her family saw her collapse to the ground.
Ramon Valdizon, the victim’s grandfather, spoke with 7News in Spanish.
“All of a sudden, she fell down and her father got nearby, and all of a sudden, he started crying,” said Valdizon.
Munguia’s parents quickly realized she had been shot in the head.
Police said Munguia “was struck by a stray bullet fired into the air from an unknown location by an unknown subject.”
Officers said the family began driving Munguia to the hospital, eventually meeting up with Hialeah Fire Rescue, who rushed her to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Munguia had just celebrated her 10th birthday one week ago.
“My daughter is devastated. She blames herself for what happened,” said Valdizon.
He said his granddaughter stepped just a foot away from her 6-year-old brother when she was hit in the back of the head.
Now, her little brother is at a loss without his big sister.
“They’ve never been apart, and it’s really hard for a 6-year-old kid,” said Valdizon.
But extremely hard for the whole family.
“I cannot stand to go in that house and not see her again,” said Valdizon.
Omar Figueras, who works across the street where Munguia was shot, told 7News he was shocked to learn what happened to the young girl.
“This is sad. It’s not a common thing, not in this corner,” he said.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released a statement on the incident on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Our hearts are with the family mourning the loss of their beloved 10-year-old, whose life was tragically cut short by reckless gunfire. Let us unite to prevent further senseless acts. Please contact Crime Stoppers with any tips at (305) 471-8477 or dial **TIPS.
Investigators spent hours at the crime scene collecting evidence and trying to determine where the bullet came from.
“If anyone knows, let them say something,” said the other relative who spoke with 7News.
Both the young girl’s family and police are asking anyone who may have seen something to come forward.
“I don’t want what happened to my granddaughter happen to anyone else,” said Valdizon.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover the medical and funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.
If you have any information that could assist detectives with their investigation, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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