A 12-year-old Houston girl, Ashley Rodriguez, was struck by a stray bullet on Christmas Eve, prompting her family to speak out against celebratory gunfire. Ashley and her mother, Alejandra Moncada, shared their harrowing experience exclusively with KPRC 2, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
The incident unfolded as Ashley and her mother left a relative’s apartment. A stray bullet, believed by the Houston Police Department (HPD) to have been fired during celebratory gunfire, pierced Ashley’s leg. Initially, Ashley mistook the impact for a firecracker, only realizing the severity of her injury when someone informed her she had been shot. Moncada stated she didn’t hear gunshots prior to her daughter being hit, adding that the gun may have had a silencer.
The ordeal took another unexpected turn when a neighbor, offering to drive them to the hospital, was involved in a car accident due to wet road conditions. Ashley received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover fully within three months. Holding the bullet that injured her, Ashley expressed gratitude for her survival and urged others to reconsider celebratory gunfire. Her mother echoed this sentiment, pleading with people to find safer ways to celebrate.
Houston Police are still investigating the incident and searching for the individual responsible. No arrests have been made. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them. The family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of celebratory gunfire and the lasting impact it can have on innocent victims.