Crime
26-year-old Julia Byrne and her 3-year-old son Blake killed in Pembroke shooting
PEMBROKE, N.H. — The deaths of a 26-year-old woman and her 3-year-old son early Friday morning are under investigation as a possible murder-suicide, according to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.
Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on May 9, 2025, officers with the Pembroke Police Department responded to a 911 call from a residence located at 336 Pembroke Hill Road.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the individual who had placed the call. While searching the home, officers discovered Julia Byrne, 26, and her son, Blake Byrne, 3, in an upstairs bedroom, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the head.
Blake was transported to Concord Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Julia Byrne was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to officials, a witness at the residence reported hearing two gunshots, prompting them to enter the bedroom, where they discovered the victims.
Both Julia and Blake Byrne were residents of the home.
Assistant Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Abigail Alexander conducted autopsies on both victims Friday.
Preliminary results indicate that Julia Byrne died of a single gunshot wound to the head, with her manner of death currently pending further investigation.
Blake Byrne also died of a single gunshot wound to the head, and his manner of death has been classified as homicide.
In a joint statement, Attorney General John M. Formella, Colonel Mark B. Hall of the New Hampshire State Police, and Chief Gary R. Gaskell of the Pembroke Police Department confirmed that the incident remains under investigation as a potential murder-suicide.
However, officials emphasized that there is no threat to the public at this time.
Authorities are not releasing further details as the investigation remains active.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.