Carcano’s family and longtime clients gathered to honor her 30 years of service with a fundraiser at her barbershop, Clean Cuts in Killeen.
KILLEEN, Texas — Over the course of 30 years, Kyung Cha Carcano turned his barbershop Clean Cuts into more than just a business. It was a place where customers became family and aspiring barbers became mentors. Today, the Killeen community mourns her death and celebrates her lasting impact.
Carcano, 66, was found with gunshot wounds in a store in the 1100 block of West Veterans Memorial Boulevard on the morning of Dec. 4. Killeen Police also located a 76-year-old male victim in stable condition.
“She’s been cutting hair in this town for almost 30 years,” said Amanda Annunkreto, Carcano’s daughter. The family continues to grieve as they witness the outpouring of support from the community in which their mother served over the years.
In addition to his barbershop, Mr. Carcano was deeply involved in community service. She regularly volunteered at nursing homes, offering free haircuts to residents. As an active member of the Korean American Association, she contributed to the preservation of cultural traditions by performing traditional Korean dance at local events.
Rebecca Mercado, who graduated in cosmetology and started working at Carcano in 2010, credits her former mentor with shaping her career and life.
“She taught me how to make money and how to build a life for myself, and she taught that to a lot of people,” Mercado said. “She was a deep part of this community, so we are blessed to have known and experienced her in this life.”
That sentiment was echoed by longtime customers, many of whom had been visiting Carcano weekly for more than 20 years. Her daughter explained that for many, these visits were more than just a haircut.
“I think they come to her every week for counseling, therapy, things like that,” Anankulet said. “They are also heartbroken.”
Carcano’s influence on the local barbershop community was particularly significant. Throughout her career, she trained numerous professionals and helped launch countless jobs in the industry.
“We didn’t realize how much she meant to so many people,” Anankureto said. “Everyone had a kind word and said anything they could do to help. We are so blessed to have had her support system.”
The family is welcoming community members to share memories at her mother’s barber shop, Clean Cuts, until December 14th. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral arrangements.
As the community comes to terms with this loss, those who knew Carcano are determined to continue her tradition of service and leadership.
“We can’t do anything but live and try to do good while we’re alive…just honor her memory and pass it on,” Mercado said.
Police said there is no threat to the public in connection with this incident. The investigation is still ongoing.
