Family remembers beloved Kalihi store clerk killed in stabbing over unpaid drink

Nov 06, 2026

A well-liked neighborhood convenience store clerk was stabbed to death on the job, and her family and community are devastated and demanding more police presence in the area.

  • Celeste Guzman, 66, a longtime clerk at a Kalihi mini mart, died after being stabbed, allegedly after confronting a 23-year-old man who opened and drank a beverage without paying.
  • Neighbors describe her as generous with kids but tough on shoplifters, someone who had physically stopped people from walking out with stolen goods.
  • The suspect was arrested and charged with murder and remains in custody.
  • Residents say the store had ongoing problems with shoplifting and homelessness, and are calling for faster police response and tougher prosecution of repeat offenders.
  • Guzman's family, many of whom live out of state, started a fundraiser to cover funeral costs.

Outlook: The case will move through the courts as community pressure grows for a stronger police and prosecutorial response to repeat offenses in the area.

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