In the early moments of the new year, a celebration among young people in Sioux City, Iowa, turned into a scene of tragedy. Mia Alexis-Marie Kritis, an 18-year-old Caucasian female, was attending a New Year's Eve party on January 1, 2021, when her life was cut short. She had moved to Sioux City less than a year prior to live with her father and was on the verge of graduating high school early with plans to pursue a career in nursing.
Known for her bright smile and caring nature, she had quickly made friends at North High School and her job at the Dakota Dunes Country Club.
The party was being held at a residence in the 2600 block of Walker Street with about two dozen people in attendance. Just before 1 a.m., multiple individuals outside the house opened fire on the home. An overwhelming barrage of at least 27 bullets from handguns and an assault-style rifle pierced the walls and windows of the house indiscriminately. Inside, chaos erupted as partygoers were struck by the gunfire. Mia Kritis suffered a fatal gunshot wound, and three other individuals were injured but survived. Police later described her as an innocent victim in a senseless act of violence.
The subsequent investigation by the Sioux City Police Department led to the identification and arrest of four individuals connected to the shooting. The first to be apprehended was 19-year-old Christopher Morales, who was arrested two days after the incident. His arrest led investigators to three other suspects. His 18-year-old brother, Carlos Morales, and another 18-year-old, Anthony Bauer, were taken into custody just under two weeks later. The driver of the vehicle that brought the shooters to the house, 20-year-old Liliana Gutierrez, later surrendered to the authorities.
All four suspects faced serious charges for their roles in the deadly shooting. Christopher Morales, who admitted to firing the shot that killed Mia, along with his brother Carlos Morales and Anthony Bauer, ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges. Christopher Morales received a 55-year prison sentence, while Bauer and Carlos Morales were each sentenced to 50 years. Due to his age at the time of the crime, Carlos Morales will be eligible for parole after serving 15 years. Liliana Gutierrez, who did not fire a weapon, pleaded guilty to reckless use of a firearm and being an accessory after the fact, receiving a seven-year prison sentence for her involvement.
