A Korean-American woman in her 60s, who ran a barbershop for nearly 30 years and was beloved by her community, was tragically killed, leaving the local community in mourning.
The Killeen Police Department in Texas reported that Kyong Cha Carcano, 66, was fatally shot near Veterans Memorial Boulevard on December 4.
Killeen, a city in central Texas about 70 miles north of Austin, has a population of approximately 150,000, with a notable Korean population significant enough to have a Korean Association.
According to the police, a report was received at 9:43 a.m. on December 4 about two pedestrians with gunshot wounds. Officers responding to the scene found Carcano and a 76-year-old man with gunshot wounds.
Despite emergency medical assistance, Carcano succumbed to her injuries. The man was transported to a hospital for treatment.
According to Korea Daily’s investigation, the police consider the man hospitalized as a primary suspect. The case is being investigated as a potential “murder-suicide attempt.”
However, details regarding the relationship between Carcano and the suspect and the motive for the crime have not been disclosed.
Christine Robinson, who learned barbering from Carcano, told Korea Daily over the phone, “The police informed us that the man shot Carcano and then turned the gun on himself.”
The news of Carcano’s tragic death has prompted an outpouring of grief from local residents. She was known for operating a barbershop called “Klean Cuts” in the Killeen area for nearly 30 years.
Carcano also shared her barbering skills with her neighbors and actively participated in various volunteer and support activities.
“She taught barbering to many residents and generously assisted other barbershops,” said Robinson. “Her death has left many people in shock.”
According to local broadcaster KCEN-TV, Carcano regularly volunteered at nursing homes and provided free haircuts to low-income residents.
She was also an active member of the Killeen Korean Association. Carcano contributed to raising the profile of the Korean-American community and Korean culture by performing traditional Korean dances at local events.
Carcano’s family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover her funeral expenses. As of 11 a.m. on the 18th, $9,740 of the $10,000 goal had been raised. To honor her memory, Robinson and other students who learned barbering from Carcano are offering free haircuts to donors at “Klean Cuts.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
