Crime
10-year-old Yanelis Munuguia killed by stray bullet while celebrating New Year with her family in Miami
Yanelis had just celebrated her 10th birthday on December 26, a joyful milestone that now feels tragically short-lived.
A New Year’s celebration turned devastating in northwest Miami-Dade when a 10-year-old girl, Yanelis Munuguia, lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day as Yanelis and her family were outside their apartment complex near NW 27 Avenue and 21 Terrace, lighting fireworks to welcome 2025.
Suddenly, a bullet struck Yanelis in the head, causing her to collapse.
Her panicked family placed her in their car and began driving toward the hospital, calling 911 during the journey.
They were intercepted by Hialeah Fire Rescue at Palm Avenue and W 3 Street, who transported Yanelis to Ryder Trauma Center.
Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police believe the fatal shot was fired into the air as part of celebratory gunfire, a dangerous and reckless act often associated with holiday festivities.
The shooter likely had no knowledge that the bullet struck someone.
Miami-Dade Detective Andre Martin expressed frustration over the preventable nature of the incident:
“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 joyful milestone that now feels tragically short-lived.
Her family, instead of celebrating the new year, is now faced with the unimaginable task of planning her funeral.
Law enforcement and community leaders are once again emphasizing the dangers of celebratory gunfire, urging residents to refrain from such reckless behavior.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of firing a gun into the air.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify the individual responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Miami-Dade Police Department or Crime Stoppers to assist in bringing justice for Yanelis.
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Police are actively searching for the suspect responsible for a deadly shooting that left two people dead and three others injured, including a young child, inside a Muskegon home on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities identified the two victims who died as 25-year-old Josh Fondren Jr. and 22-year-old Cori May, according to the Muskegon Police Department.
Investigators initially withheld the victims’ identities pending family notification.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. inside a residence near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and McLaren Street.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Fondren was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cori May and two additional 25-year-old men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
May later succumbed to her injuries, while the two men remained in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
A 4-year-old child was also injured during the incident.
Police said the child’s injuries were minor, and the child was expected to be released from the hospital.
Muskegon Police Chief Tim Kozal confirmed that the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Kozal stated that the shooting does not appear to be a random act, and officials do not believe there is an immediate threat to the broader public.
In response to the recent surge of violence, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson issued a statement late Saturday night addressing the tragic impact on the community.
“Our community has been shaken by tragedies this week, with the apparent murder of Thomas ‘Tommy’ Stewart in his home in the 1400 block of Jiroch Street on Monday, and then Saturday’s mass shooting in a home in the 600 block of Jackson Avenue,” Johnson said.
The mayor urged residents with any information to come forward and also called for unity during this difficult time.
“Meanwhile, let’s hold the victims, their families, our neighbors, and all the first responders and medical professionals in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts,” Johnson said. “May our community come together in care for one another, as we navigate these traumatic events, and in pursuit of justice.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact:
- Muskegon Police Department: 231-724-6750
- Silent Observer (anonymous tips): 231-722-7463
The investigation remains underway.