The suspect, identified by Omaha police as Noemi Guzman, 31, snatched three-year-old Cyler Hillman from the store while his mother Sara was shopping, according to major media reports. Deputy Chief Scott Gray described the incident, stating that Guzman approached a female shopper and a 2- or 3-year-old boy, displayed a large knife, and took possession of the child. Guzman then told the woman to walk in front of the shopping cart and followed with the child at knifepoint, Gray added. Omaha police confirmed that Guzman held the knife to the child's body and issued commands to the mother as they headed to the parking lot. The suspect and the mother had a verbal 'back-and-forth' for several minutes until officers arrived, according to Deputy Chief Scott Gray.
Police intercepted the suspect shortly after she, the boy, and his mother exited the store, according to multiple reports. Officers gave multiple verbal commands for Guzman to drop the knife, but she refused and cut the boy, Omaha police said. Deputy Chief Scott Gray elaborated that after police arrived and gave commands, Guzman began swiping the knife at the child, cutting him across the face. Two officers fired their service weapons at the suspect, killing her, according to Omaha police.
They kind of just purposely but casually walk out of the store, so I don't think anybody was actually looking at them as being a suspect of anything.
The child was taken to a hospital with lacerations on his face and hand, required surgery and stitches, and is expected to survive, multiple reports indicate. Police attempted life-saving measures on the suspect, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to major media. Police are reviewing video from the store, Deputy Chief Scott Gray confirmed.
It is unclear why Guzman approached the toddler and his mother, and there is no indication they knew each other, according to Deputy Chief Scott Gray. The exact relationship between the boy and his caretaker, such as whether Sara Hillman is his biological mother or another guardian, remains unknown.
Due to Cyler's condition and the need for his father to be by his side during recovery and therapy, employment will have to wait.
Guzman had a history of mental health issues, according to Omaha police. She was arrested in 2024 after her father's home was set on fire and accused of breaking into a church rectory, major media reports. Omaha police stated that Guzman was found not guilty by reason of insanity and assigned a treatment plan, with an annual review scheduled for June 12 this year. The full details of her mental health history and treatment plan prior to the incident are not publicly known, and it is unclear whether there were any prior interactions or warnings about her that could have prevented the attack.
Omaha police reported that Guzman shoplifted the knife from the store before approaching the Hillman family. Deputy Chief Scott Gray noted that the event appears to be an isolated incident, and the Walmart was largely empty during the investigation. According to Gray, the suspect and mother walked out of the store in a way that did not draw suspicion. The specific timeline and sequence of events inside the store before police intervention have not been fully disclosed.
The Hillman family is shaken and in need of support, with a GoFundMe campaign created to help with medical bills, therapy, and daily expenses, according to a loved one. Campaign organizer Tanya Gifford stated that due to Cyler's condition and the need for his father to be by his side during recovery and therapy, employment will have to wait. Cyler's father was at a job interview during the attack and cannot work due to needing to be by his son's side during recovery, Gifford added. Sara Hillman posted on social media asking for prayers for her baby.
There is a discrepancy regarding the number of officers who fired at the suspect. Omaha police stated that two officers fired their service weapons, but other reports suggest at least one officer fired, affecting the understanding of the police response and potential use-of-force details. This incident raises broader implications about police use of force in high-stakes situations involving mental health crises and child endangerment, though specific policies or reviews have not been detailed in the available claims.