Survivor of stray-bullet shooting celebrates milestones 3 years later

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – This week marks three years since Richianna DeGuzman was nearly killed after she was shot in the head by a stray bullet while walking on the street.

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Hawaii News Now has followed DeGuzman through her recovery.

Now 20, she lives at home with her mother, Susan, who serves as her primary caregiver.

“I’m fabulous,” DeGuzman said with a laugh.

Three years ago, DeGuzman was fighting for her life at The Queen’s Medical Center, and doctors warned she might not survive.

“This time in her life is all about her. It’s all about her,” Susan said.

Susan said insurance stopped paying for DeGuzman’s physical therapy this year, so she has been doing the work with her at home. DeGuzman still mainly uses a wheelchair, but Susan said she continues to work to improve her mobility.

“For me personally, I refuse to give up my faith. I am going to keep believing, I am going to keep speaking life that she will walk. Sometimes it’s not our timing. It’s God’s timing,” Susan said.

In January, DeGuzman left the islands for the first time since the shooting, traveling to Las Vegas to visit family.

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“Yes, I liked it a lot,” DeGuzman said.

Another milestone is coming in August: DeGuzman is scheduled to return to school for the first time since the shooting, joining the special education program five days a week at Campbell High School.

“To have that social support,” Susan said. “She needs more sociable activities and events, and I think this will be a whole different journey for her.”

The family said the case remains unresolved. DeGuzman’s shooter has not been caught.

The Honolulu prosecutor’s office said a judge last year dismissed charges against a suspect due to what the court found was insufficient evidence. Officials said the investigation remains an active case.

DeGuzman’s family said they are focused on progress, and her mother said she hopes DeGuzman will be able to do an interview on her own by next year.

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