Crime
Seven-month-old Zymir Demarco Smith killed in Spartanburg shooting
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Authorities in Spartanburg have launched a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning and claimed the life of a seven-month-old infant.
According to the Spartanburg Police Department, officers were dispatched to an apartment on Collins Avenue around 4:00 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire in the area.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered multiple signs of a shooting, including bullet damage to the residence.
Inside the apartment, they followed a trail of blood which led them to a critically injured infant suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck.
Preliminary findings suggest that the infant and his mother were asleep at the time of the incident, when multiple unknown suspects fired several rounds into the home from outside.
Emergency medical services were immediately called to the scene. Despite efforts to provide life-saving care, the infant was unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Zymir Demarco Smith, a seven-month-old boy.
In a statement released Sunday, Zymir’s family expressed their heartbreak and called for justice in the wake of the devastating loss. Law enforcement officials echoed that plea.
“This is a senseless and heartbreaking tragedy for our entire community,” said Major Art Littlejohn of the Spartanburg Police Department. “We will use every available resource to solve this case and identify those responsible for this horrific act. We urge anyone with information—no matter how insignificant it may seem—to come forward.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Spartanburg Police Department at 864-596-2065. Anonymous tips are welcome.
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.