FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — A 5-year-old girl died after she was shot inside a Florida City home early Wednesday morning, and investigators are working to determine how the shooting occurred, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the girl, who was identified by a family member as Janova Park, suffered gunshot wounds to her stomach and torso and was rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where she later died.
“We know that at the time of the shooting, there were three adults and two children -- the victim who’s 5 years old and her 4-year-old brother,” said MDSO Det. Angel Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the agency. “Detectives are going to be here for quite some time, taking part in this investigation. They’re going to make sure that no stone is left unturned, and right now we’re just asking for prayers from the community.”
The shooting happened inside a home on Northwest First Court.
Deputies said they were called to the home around 2 a.m. after shots were fired.
They also confirmed that Janova’s mother was among those inside the home at the time of the shooting.
Detectives said they’re still trying to determine how Janova was shot, including whether she may have accessed the gun herself or whether someone else shot her.
Local 10’s Hannah Yechivi spoke to Laticha Ellison, Janova’s grandmother, who said the shooting could’ve been prevented.
“My grandbaby is 5 years old,” Ellison said through tears. “She’s only 5. It makes me angry because nothing like this should be able to happen, especially in your home — carelessness.”
Ellison described her granddaughter as “smart and sassy.”
Investigators said a gun was recovered inside the home and that they “are not looking for any individuals that may pose a threat to the community.”
Crime scene tape remained up outside the home later Wednesday morning as investigators continued to process the scene.
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