A Wisconsin teen has been sentenced to nearly a decade behind bars following an unintentional shooting that claimed the life of 10-year-old Isdennyeliz Ortiz. The tragic incident occurred in May 2024 and has left the community reeling.
A Tragic Incident
On May 31, 2024, Isdennyeliz Ortiz was sleeping in her mother’s bed when she was fatally shot. The bullet entered the ceiling and struck her in the chest. The shooting took place in a split-level house on Milwaukee’s south side, where all the residents were family members.
Javier Rodriguez, 19, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide for the unintentional killing. Prosecutors say that Rodriguez, who was 18 at the time, had been playing with a gun upstairs when it discharged, sending a bullet through a couch cushion, the ceiling, and eventually hitting Isdennyeliz. The incident occurred at around 12:40 a.m.
The Defendant’s Actions and Apology
After the fatal shot, Rodriguez reportedly apologized, saying “I’m sorry. Please forgive me,” when he came down to face the girl’s mother. His remorse was echoed by his 14-year-old sister, who recalled Rodriguez saying, “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I did it.”
Rodriguez fled the scene before police arrived, but he was arrested a few days later. In court, the judge sentenced Rodriguez to 10 years in prison, with nearly 14 months already served in pretrial detention. He will also face eight years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.
Investigations and Findings
The shooting was captured on security cameras. In the footage, Rodriguez was seen carrying a firearm and wearing a blue rubber glove before entering the house. A loud bang was heard shortly after, followed by Rodriguez running frantically inside.
Further investigation revealed that another shot had been fired in the residence about a month earlier, though no one was injured at that time.
Several firearms were found during the investigation at the Rodriguez residence, including a number of loaded pistols and magazines.
Community Impact and Legal Consequences
Before entering a plea deal, Rodriguez was facing a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. His sentencing to 10 years in prison serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of mishandling firearms and the lasting consequences of such tragic accidents.
The loss of 10-year-old Isdennyeliz has left a void in her family, who now must cope with the pain of her untimely death. As the community mourns, the case highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety, especially in households with young children.
