10-Year-Old Girl Killed by Stray Bullet During New Year’s Celebration in Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade County, FL – A joyous New Year’s celebration turned tragic early Monday when a 10-year-old girl, Yanelis Munuguia, was fatally struck by a stray bullet in northwest Miami-Dade.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near NW 27 Avenue and 21 Terrace, where Yanelis and her family were outside their apartment complex lighting fireworks to welcome 2025. In a heartbreaking turn of events, a bullet struck Yanelis in the head, causing her to collapse in front of her loved ones.
Panicked and desperate, her family placed her in their car and began driving toward the hospital, calling 911 along the way. They were intercepted by Hialeah Fire Rescue at Palm Avenue and W 3 Street, who rushed Yanelis to Ryder Trauma Center. Tragically, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police believe the fatal shot came from celebratory gunfire, a reckless act often associated with holiday festivities. Investigators say the shooter likely had no idea the bullet struck someone.
Miami-Dade Detective Andre Martin expressed frustration at the preventable nature of the tragedy, saying, “We speak time and time again every new year about the fact that what goes up must come down. This is a prime example of the dangers of shooting a firearm indiscriminately into the air. We have a 10-year-old girl who lost her life at the beginning of the year.”
Yanelis had just celebrated her 10th birthday on December 26, a milestone now marked by sorrow. Her family, instead of welcoming the new year with joy, is now faced with the devastating task of planning her funeral.
Law enforcement and community leaders are renewing their calls to end celebratory gunfire, urging residents to consider the potentially deadly consequences of firing bullets into the air.
Authorities are actively investigating to identify the individual responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade Police Department or Crime Stoppers to help bring justice for Yanelis.
