Crime
32-year-old Travis Ward arrested in connection to shooting at Vancouver Mall on Halloween night
The attack was targeted – and that the suspect was wearing a Halloween mask.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — The suspect involved in the Halloween night shooting at Vancouver Mall has been taken into custody, as confirmed by the Vancouver Police Department.
Police received a tip on Saturday indicating that the shooter was hiding inside a residence in Vancouver.
With assistance from the SWAT team, law enforcement responded to the location, where the suspect ultimately surrendered without incident.
The individual, identified as 32-year-old Travis Ward, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.
In an official statement, the Vancouver Police Department extended gratitude to the community for their cooperation, specifically thanking those who provided critical information and tips, most of which were submitted through Facebook.
The tips played a significant role in leading officers to Ward’s location.
Witness accounts indicate that the shooter was wearing a Halloween mask when he opened fire amid a trick-or-treat event, where families with young children had gathered at the mall on Thursday night. The masked shooter’s presence at a family-oriented event intensified public concern, as the gunfire interrupted what was supposed to be a safe, festive atmosphere.
Earlier, detectives issued a request for information from two women seen in the mall around the time of the shooting.
Authorities believed the two might possess knowledge relevant to the investigation. Both women cooperated fully with detectives and are not considered suspects or persons of interest.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has stressed its commitment to ensuring public safety and is actively working to gather all remaining details surrounding the incident.
Crime
Noemi Hernandez, Mother of Four Murdered By Her Husband Hector Luvianos Two Days Before Christmas
BATAVIA, Ill. — A devastating domestic homicide has left a family and community in mourning just days before Christmas.
Noemi Hernandez, a devoted mother of four, was fatally attacked in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 23, in what prosecutors allege was a violent act committed by her husband.
The incident occurred at an apartment building in the 100 block of Church Street in Batavia.
According to court records and police reports, at approximately 4:37 a.m., Batavia police were dispatched after a man contacted emergency dispatchers and stated that he had killed his wife.
Responding officers located the man outside the apartment building and took him into custody without incident.
When officers entered the apartment, they found Hernandez suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries.
First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the suspect as Hector B. Luvianos, 37, who was transported to the Batavia Police Department for questioning.
With assistance from the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force, investigators determined the incident was domestic-related and involved only the two individuals. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
On Dec. 24, 2025, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Batavia Police Chief Eric Blowers announced that Luvianos has been formally charged with first-degree murder, a Class M felony under Illinois law.
He appeared in court the same day for a pretrial detention hearing, after which a judge ordered him held in the Kane County Jail while the case proceeds.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of Hernandez’s death.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hernandez’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and related expenses.
In the fundraiser, the family described Noemi as “the heart of her family,” noting that she worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and always placed her children first. Her sudden death, they wrote, has left the family emotionally devastated and financially unprepared.
As an immigrant family with limited resources and no life insurance, they now face the burden of funeral and cremation costs, legal fees, and other unexpected expenses, all while supporting four children grieving the loss of their mother.
The family is asking for community support to allow them to lay Noemi to rest with dignity and focus on healing rather than financial hardship.
The investigation remains ongoing.