Hallandale Beach, Florida — An 11-year-old girl remains hospitalized after being shot in the head while waiting with her family in a McDonald’s parking lot, where police say she and her father were innocent bystanders caught in a burst of gunfire.
The shooting happened on the afternoon of June 27 outside a McDonald’s in Hallandale Beach, turning what was supposed to be a routine family meal into a life-changing tragedy.
According to police and information shared through a fundraiser created for the family, the young girl, identified as Dora Belen Rivera, and her father, Oscar Roman Miron, were both struck by bullets while sitting inside their vehicle.
Family Was Waiting for Food When Gunfire Broke Out
According to the fundraiser organized on behalf of the family, Miron’s wife had gone inside the restaurant to pick up food while he remained in the vehicle with their three children.
Without warning, an altercation involving other individuals reportedly erupted in the parking lot before multiple gunshots were fired.
The fundraiser states:
“As reported by local authorities, Oscar and his family had just arrived at the restaurant while his wife went inside to pick up food. Oscar remained in the vehicle with their three children. Without warning, an altercation broke out between other individuals in the parking lot, and gunfire erupted.”
Police said Rivera was struck in the head, while her father suffered a gunshot wound to the hip.
Two younger children, ages 2 and 5, were also inside the vehicle during the shooting. Although they escaped physical injury, they witnessed the terrifying incident.
Doctors Say Removing the Bullet Could Be Too Dangerous
Miron has since been treated and released from the hospital and is continuing his recovery at home.
His daughter, however, remains hospitalized in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Despite the operation, doctors have decided not to remove the bullet lodged in her head because the procedure could pose an even greater risk to her health.
The fundraiser explains:
“Doctors have advised the family that they are not removing the bullet at this time because doing so could cause even greater harm.”
It also noted:
“She continues to receive specialized medical care and faces a long road to recovery.”
The family is now focused on Rivera’s recovery while coping with the emotional and financial impact of the shooting.
Police Say Family Had No Involvement in Incident
Investigators have repeatedly described the victims as “innocent bystanders” who had no connection to the dispute that led to the gunfire.
The fundraiser echoed that statement, saying:
“Oscar and his family had no involvement whatsoever in the incident.”
Authorities arrested 18-year-old Ralph N-Kosi Blue III in connection with the shooting.
According to police, he has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.
He is currently being held at the Broward County Jail without bond, according to local reports.
McDonald’s Operator Responds
Following the shooting, the owner and operator of the McDonald’s restaurant expressed sympathy for the victims and confirmed that the individual accused in the case is no longer employed at the location.
The operator also said the restaurant is cooperating fully with investigators by providing surveillance footage and any other assistance requested by law enforcement.
As police continue investigating what led to the shooting, Rivera’s family remains hopeful for her recovery while doctors carefully monitor her condition in the hospital.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Should stronger safety measures be required in public places to help protect innocent families from gun violence? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.