10-Year-Old Girl Killed by Celebratory Gunfire on New Year's Day

Miami-Dade police are searching for a suspect who allegedly killed a 10-year-old girl while shooting celebratory gunfire on New Year's Day.

Why It Matters

Yaneliz Munguia died after being struck by gunfire shot into the air, just four minutes into the new year.

Yaneliz Munguia was fatally struck by celebratory gunfire just four minutes into the new year. Police are searching for the suspect. Miami-Dade Police Department

Celebratory gunfire can often lead to serious injury or death. At least 32 percent of injuries caused by celebratory gunfire resulted in death, according to Ammo.com.

What To Know

The Miami-Dade Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating the suspect. Officials said Munguia was hit by the gunfire near the intersection of NW 27th Avenue and NW 21st Street in Miami. The child, who had just turned 10 the previous week, was celebrating with family when she collapsed.

Family members said they found a gunshot wound in the back of her head. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The police department said it is treating the death as a homicide.

A GoFundMe for Munguia's family has raised over $22,000 so far.

A post made on New Year's Eve by the police department warned about the dangers of celebratory gunfire. Police urged the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid firing off celebratory gunshots.

"It only takes one bullet to end the celebration," the police department said.

What People Are Saying

Miami-Dade Police Department, on Facebook: "This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down. Bullets fired into the air can take innocent lives."

Miami-Dade Police Det. Andre Martin, at a press conference: "If you were the person who was firing the weapon into the air, we need you to do the right thing. Accidents happen, this may not have been on purpose, we need you to come forward and speak to our detectives so this family can have closure."

What Happens Next

The police department is continuing to investigate the incident. Officials are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to the suspect's arrest. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the police department at 305-471-2400.

People who would like to remain anonymous should contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers by calling 305-471- 8477 or texting CrimeStoppers305 to 738477. Tips can also be made one by going to www.CrimeStoppers305.com and clicking on "Submit a Tip."

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