In the early morning hours of May 31, 2024, a tragedy unfolded inside a home on Milwaukee's south side that claimed the life of 10-year-old Isdennyeliaz Ortiz. The young female was asleep in bed alongside her mother and baby brother when a single gunshot pierced the ceiling of their room at approximately 12:30 a.m. The bullet struck Isdennyeliaz in the chest, and she was pronounced dead at the scene near the intersection of 21st and Orchard streets.
Authorities quickly determined that the child was not the intended target of the gunfire.
The investigation revealed the fatal shot originated from the apartment directly above, where her 18-year-old relative, Javier Rodriguez, resided. According to the criminal complaint, Rodriguez was on the top floor of the three-story building when his gun discharged. The bullet passed through a couch cushion and the floor of his apartment before entering the unit below. Following the incident, Rodriguez went downstairs and admitted to his aunt, the victim's mother, that the shooting was his fault. He explained that he had been playing with the gun when it accidentally went off and asked for her forgiveness before fleeing the residence.
A few days later, authorities arrested Javier Rodriguez. He was charged with second-degree reckless homicide for his role in the young girl's death. In June, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the charge. Subsequently, a judge sentenced the now 19-year-old to 10 years in prison, with credit for time served, to be followed by eight years of extended supervision. The tragic event was described by family as an accidental shooting, a sentiment echoed in court filings which detailed Rodriguez's immediate confession and remorse to the victim's mother in the moments after the fatal shot was fired.
