MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 13-year-old girl who was accidentally shot and killed on a school bus by another student was honored Wednesday as a southwest Miami-Dade County street was named in her memory.
For Addy Guzman, the naming of Lourdes Guzman-DeJesus Street was a glimmer of joy in the dark years since her daughter's tragic death.
"It's an amazing feeling," said Guzman. "It's a blessing. It's an honor. It's everything."
In November 2012, two days before Thanksgiving, Lourdes died on her way to school when the gun then-15-year-old Jordyn Howe snuck on board their school bus accidentally discharged. The bullet hit her in the neck.
Her younger sister, who was just 7 years old at the time, witnessed the shooting. On Wednesday, she simply said, "I'm happy."
The family said they have forgiven Howe. In fact, Lourdes' mom played a key role in orchestrating a plea deal involving a year in juvenile detention and community service.
The new street sign is now both a message of gun safety and a public memorial honoring the young life of Lourdes.
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