Courtney Raymond-Arakaki, a 34-year-old woman from Waianae, Hawaii, was one of three victims in a tragic shooting incident that occurred on August 31, 2024. The violence erupted late Saturday night when a neighbor, identified as 59-year-old Hiram Silva, drove a front-end loader into a carport before opening fire. The attack resulted in the deaths of Raymond-Arakaki, along with 36-year-old Cherell Keamo and 29-year-old Jessyca Amasiu.
The victims were described by their loved ones as kind, generous, and talented individuals.
The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office confirmed that Raymond-Arakaki died from multiple gunshot wounds. Silva, the shooter, was also killed during the incident, suffering a gunshot wound to the torso. Authorities reported that Silva was armed with both a pistol and a long gun. The violence, which stemmed from a dispute between neighbors, has deeply shaken the close-knit community of Waianae.
Following the incident, a resident of the home, identified as Rishard Carnate, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder after shooting Silva. However, Carnate was later released pending investigation, and his attorney stated that he acted in self-defense. The case remains under review, and no formal charges have been filed against Carnate at this time.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Raymond-Arakaki and the other victims, remembering them for their warmth and contributions to those around them. Local leaders have expressed their condolences and emphasized the need for healing after such a devastating event.