At least two people were killed when people were hit by what appeared to be stray celebratory bullets in several states around New Year's Day, authorities and family members said.
Alejandra Moncada (resident of Houston, Texas) said Fox26 reported that her 12-year-old daughter, Ashley Rodriguez, was hit by a stray bullet on Christmas Eve, saying it was likely a celebratory shooting. They had just left the family residence when a bullet struck Rodriguez in the leg. Moncada said a neighbor offered to drive the two to a local hospital, but they had a minor accident on the way. Authorities later said Rodriguez was taken to the hospital.
A 10-year-old girl was killed by a stray bullet during a New Year's celebration in Miami-Dade, Florida, on Wednesday, the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) announced. According to NBC Miami. MDPD said Yanellis Munguia was celebrating outside her home when she suddenly collapsed minutes after midnight.
Her parents found a wound on the back of her head. Hialeah Fire Rescue arrived at the scene and transported the 10-year-old girl to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead, officials said.
Police believe Munguia was struck by a bullet fired into the air by someone.
MDPD Detective Andre Martin said in a statement to NBC Miami: “Every New Year, we talk again and again about the fact that what goes up must come down, and this is the danger of firing guns indiscriminately into the air. It's a classic example of sexuality.” . “We have a 10-year-old girl who lost her life earlier this year. We have two parents, a mother and a father. They are currently planning their daughter's funeral for the start of the year. I am.”
Munguia had just celebrated her 10th birthday on December 26th.
It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic loss of a 10-year-old girl who was killed in a celebratory shooting near Northwest 27th Avenue and Northwest 21st Street in Miami on New Year's Day.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down. pic.twitter.com/iW6WNOCnIA
— Miami-Dade Police Department (@MiamiDadePD) January 1, 2025
A 56-year-old woman was shot and killed shortly after midnight Wednesday in Kissimmee, Florida, police said. According to WFTV. Law enforcement said the victim, Carmen Ochoa, was likely the victim of a “celebratory gunfire,” adding that an investigation is ongoing.
A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized after being shot in Chester, Pennsylvania, but her family said said ABC6. The girl was playing video games in her room when the bullet went through the wall, said her stepfather, David Nelson. (Related: 13-year-old killed by stray bullet while playing video games at home)
“Right before she was shot, she had just moved her brother away from where the bullet went through the wall, and two seconds later she was shot,” Nelson told the publication.
Officials told the station that she was shot in the back in what appeared to be a celebratory gunfire and was rushed to a hospital. Nelson said he underwent surgery and is now recovering.
Celebratory shootings are common around holidays, including New Year's, but are illegal in many states, including Texas. In Texas, this violation is punishable by jail time and fines ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, the Dallas Police Department warned residents on Facebook.
Celebratory shootings are investigated every year. According to Chief of Police Magazine.
“Although most bullets from celebratory gunfire land harmlessly or remain on rooftops or other property, in densely populated areas bullets can hit people. “Shoulders and legs are most likely to be hit and can easily cause major damage and injury,” the magazine said.
