Crime
Fourth victim in New Orleans car-ramming attack identified as 28-year-old Nicole Perez
Authorities have identified Nicole Perez, a 28-year-old mother from Metairie, Louisiana, as the fourth victim in the tragic New Orleans car-ramming attack that claimed the lives of 10 people and injured dozens more on New Year’s Day.
Perez leaves behind her 4-year-old son, Melo, who is now in the care of close friends.
Perez worked at a deli in Metairie and had recently been promoted to manager, a role she had embraced with dedication and enthusiasm. Her colleagues described her as hardworking, kind, and a source of positivity for everyone around her.
In a heartfelt message shared on a GoFundMe campaign, her friend and employer, Usher-Fall, expressed the grief felt by those who knew Perez:
“It is with sadness that I write this GoFundMe. My friend and manager of our store, Nicole, was killed this morning in the attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. She was so beautiful and full of life. Her son Melo is now without his momma, and we are without our friend and dedicated employee.”
The campaign seeks to raise funds to cover Perez’s burial expenses and provide financial support for her son as he transitions into a new living situation.
Friends and coworkers remember Perez as a devoted mother whose life revolved around her son. “She was an incredible person who brought joy to everyone she met,” one coworker shared.
Melo, her young son, was the light of her life. “Everything she did was for Melo. She was so proud of him,” Usher-Fall added.
The tragic loss of Perez has united her community in grief and solidarity. The GoFundMe campaign has already begun to receive donations, with messages of condolence pouring in from friends, coworkers, and strangers alike.
The attack, described as an act of terrorism by law enforcement, has left a deep scar on the city of New Orleans. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims, including Perez’s, are left grappling with an unfathomable loss.
Perez’s friends hope the community will rally to ensure her son’s future. “Nicole gave so much to us. It’s our turn to give back and make sure her son has everything he needs,” Usher-Fall wrote.
Donations for Melo and Nicole Perez’s burial expenses can be made through the GoFundMe campaign, which continues to grow as more people learn about her story.
Perez’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew her and in the future of her beloved son, Melo.
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.