Ten-year-old Mike Brenly Saint Jean was killed after a stray bullet entered his Lauderhill apartment on November 14, 2023. Mike had been sitting in the living room after finishing his homework when a bullet penetrated the wall and struck his neck. He was found unresponsive by emergency responders shortly after 9 p.m., rushed to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and died a few days later.

Investigators traced the shot to an adjacent apartment on Northwest 19th Street near 54th Avenue. The Broward State Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and concluded the shooting was accidental, saying a woman in the neighboring unit had picked up her boyfriend’s gun with her finger inside the trigger guard, causing it to fire. The man who left the gun in the home was charged for possessing it, but prosecutors decided there was no intentional or criminal act warranting further charges. Mike’s family expressed deep disappointment and said they would continue to seek accountability.

Mike was remembered as a vibrant and healthy boy who loved games and football, served as an altar boy, and was known for his laughter and affectionate hugs. If anyone knew Mike or has information about the case, please come forward.