MIAMI – Loved ones gathered on Sunday night to remember the life of a young girl killed while celebrating on New Year’s Eve.
That’s when 10-year-old Yaneliz Munguia was struck by a stray bullet.
A celebration of life for the girl was held outside of Graceland Funeral Home in Miami.
It was a moment of happiness that took a tragic turn as Munguia and her family were outside of their home near Northwest 27th Avenue and 21st Terrace celebrating the New Year and her birthday when she was stuck by a stray bullet.
“It can happen to your own children,” said Ramon Valdizon, the girl’s grandfather.
Her parents rushed her to the closet hospital and paramedics ultimately met them in Hialeah and took her to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center.
“Unfortunately, when she went to the hospital it was too late,” said Valdizon.
A memorial now stands outside of their home, a symbol of the youth lost as investigators continue searching for the person responsible.
“It’s a horrible moment,” said Ana Sacasa, Munguia’s aunt. “It’s not going to be easy living with this.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.