Brave 11-Year-Old Heroically Survives Startling New Year's Gunfire

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The girl from Corpus Christi, Texas, known as "Ame," was a loving and affectionate child who had not outgrown the habit of holding her mother's hands with her 11-year-old fingers.

"We used to walk around the mall, and she would hold my hand as if she were only 2 or 3 years old," said Melinda Cruz, Amethyst's mother, in an interview with CNN. "She would often tell me, 'Please, don't let go of my hand.'"

On January 1, 2023, everything changed.

The family chose to ring in the new year near their home to be safe. "We were out there just to make memories," Robert Silva, Amethysts father, told CNN.

What instead unfolded is a nightmare Silva says often replays in his mind.

"I wasnt prepared for this," he said.

Amethyst, one of seven siblings, stood near the street outside her family's apartment that night when she was struck by a bullet as a result of what the police labeled as celebratory gunfire.

"I heard the building being struck by bullets, and the final one hit Amethyst. She simply exclaimed 'ouch' before collapsing to the ground," Silva recalled.

"Right at midnight, Amethyst was probably the first child to go in 2023," he said.

Amethysts parents were told she died some time after they got her to a hospital, they said.

Seeking justice for Amethyst

Two men were arrested on charges of deadly conduct for discharging a firearm in connection with her death, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, Amethyst is among more than 1,300 children and teens who have been killed by firearms in 2023. In 2020, firearms surpassed motor vehicles as the leading cause of death among America's youth. Since her tragic passing, Amethyst's family has been fighting for justice. They are working with lawyers to look into the obstacles they faced when trying to reach 911 dispatchers on the night of the incident. The family believes that these difficulties may have impacted their daughter's chances of survival, as stated by their lawyer, Mauricio R. Celis.

Amethyst Sistine Silva, right, and her mother, Melinda Cruz, left, pose for the last photo taken of the child.

Courtesy Robert Silva

The family attempted to call 911 a few times after Amethyst was shot but failed to get through, Celis said.

Celis stated that despite the existence of perpetrators involved in the crime, they firmly stand by the belief that had the 911 service been functioning effectively, there could have been a chance to save her life. In response to a purported "inaccurate timeline" of the events that transpired that night, the Corpus Christi Police Department issued a statement on January 5.

According to a statement, the 911 system of the departments received a call from Amethyst's mother just four seconds before midnight. The statement mentioned that the answering operator heard silence and noted that the caller disconnected.

Police officials explained that when the dispatcher tried to call back at midnight, it went to voicemail, resulting in an "incomplete 911 call." Just a minute later, another person called 911 and reported that a child had been shot and that officers were already present at the scene. The police statement mentioned that this caller also hung up.

Our officers arrived at the scene within two minutes of the shooting, as stated in our official statement. Regrettably, the parents had departed before our officers could establish contact. The family's legal team is collaborating with experts to identify the cause and party deemed responsible for the apparent breakdown in the 911 communication system, according to Celis.

A young life cut short

Enjoying a delectable seafood feast at Joes Crab Shack. Letting her feet dangle out of the car window while cruising along Ocean Drive. Grooving to the electrifying tunes at the Bush and Seether concert. Commemorating her birthday last October with an epic "Stranger Things"-inspired party.

More about Amethyst Silva

Born October 16, 2011.

Died January 1, 2023 at age 11.

Fatally shot by celebratory gunfire on New Years Day, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department.

Two men who were arrested in connection with her fatal shooting have been released on bond, as confirmed by the police. However, the police have not yet filed a case with the Nueces County District Attorney's office, as stated by First Assistant District Attorney Angelica Hernandez.

The moments of Amethysts short life have become cherished memories for her grieving family.

In her moms embrace, Amethyst smiled brightly in the last photo taken of her on New Years Eve.

Her radiant smile revealed the illuminated impact that the girl, known for her kind and generous nature, had on the lives of those around her. Amethyst's remarkable gift lay in her ability to compassionately care for both acquaintances and loved ones, according to her family.

"Dad," Silva recounted, "she would spot someone begging for money and immediately suggest, 'Let's stop and offer them $1 or buy them a drink.'"

"If she witnessed anyone feeling down, she would approach them with open arms, assuring them that everything would be fine," Cruz disclosed. "She would create a heartfelt drawing to uplift their spirits, or alternatively, simply sit beside them and offer a comforting hand to hold."

Amethyst Sistine Silva feeds a squirrel she befriended.

Courtesy Robert Silva

Amethyst was an avid animal lover. According to her dad, she had developed a close friendship with a squirrel, which she had started feeding just before her passing.

At the age of 11, Amethyst owned two hamsters and a cat. Her admiration for felines was so intense that she once asked her father how he imagined she would be reborn in the future. In response, he fondly said, "It's clear, my dear, you'll return as a cat. You already sense that."

Amethysts cat Noah often hangs out by a memorial near where she was shot, Silva shared.

She didnt want anybody upset

His daughter enjoyed drawing pictures of people, flowers and butterflies.

When Cruz spots a butterfly these days - especially a purple one - she says her youngest child springs to mind.

Amethyst's mother mentioned that her favorite colors were black and purple. She had a deep affection for "Stranger Things," particularly the character Eleven. As a tribute to her, the theme of her casket and final birthday celebration was inspired by the popular show.

Amethyst would often sport only a bracelet and a necklace, but when it came to attending concerts, she would confidently don big, bulky boots, black skirts, and charm belts.

"Cruz mentioned that Hot Topic was among her preferred stores in Corpus."

Shed play around with goth-inspired makeup, a hobby that mightve blossomed into a career in special effects, her parents said.

Amethyst Sistine Silva shows off her face-painting skills with goth-inspired makeup.

Courtesy Robert Silva

Amethyst's father had a significant impact on her passion for rock n roll, particularly bands like Metallica and Three Days Grace, according to him. On the night she passed away, she was seen wearing a black T-shirt featuring a picture of guitarist John 5.

Her parents lovingly portrayed their daughter as an exuberant individual, radiating positivity with a compassionate nature. She frequently expressed her love through heartfelt words and seldom found herself in a negative state of mind.

Silva stated that Amethyst possessed a distinct personality, constantly aiming to bring laughter to those around her through sharing cat videos. Additionally, she had a strong desire to ensure that nobody felt distressed. Amethyst eagerly anticipated the commencement of her junior high school experience in the upcoming fall.

The students and staff at her elementary school paid tribute to her by creating a memorial adorned with plants and painted rocks, as stated by her parents.

Silva's alarm still remains programmed to wake his daughter up every morning, regretting that he never had the opportunity to prepare her for the rest of fifth grade.

An in-classroom memorial created by students and staff is seen for Amethyst Sistine Silva.

Courtesy Robert Silva

"She didnt even get to make it back from Christmas vacation and say goodbye to her friends before summer vacation," he said.

Silva lovingly referred to his youngest child as "daddy's girl" and his trusted "partner in crime." Her absence has created an unfillable void in his heart, he expressed.

Just like his daughter once relied on her parents for support, Silva tightly embraces the cherished moments he shared with his beloved Ame.

"That daddy-and-daughter bond is something that no one can ever take away from you," he said.