3 years after shooting, survivor celebrates first day back to school

EWA BEACH (HawaiiNewsNow) – A 20-year-old West Oahu woman who nearly died after being shot in the head three years ago celebrated a major milestone Wednesday as she returned to school.

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Richianna DeGuzman, who was injured by a stray bullet in 2023, is now attending Campbell High School’s special education program.

During her first day back, she was already cheering on her new school, saying, “Sabers, baby! Everyone is watching you!”

She was accompanied to campus by her mother, Susan Mahiai, and state Sen. Kurt Fevella, who represents Ewa Beach.

Mahiai previously described DeGuzman’s return as a massive step in her daughter’s road to recovery.

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“She needs more sociable activities and events, and I think this will be a whole different journey for her,” she told Hawaii News Now in June.

As DeGuzman continues to work on walking independently and improving her speech, justice remains elusive for DeGuzman and her family.

Police said that charges against the suspect in the 2023 shooting were previously dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

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The criminal investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.