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.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.