Crime
3-month-old Destiny Hope and her mother shot and killed by Independence Police officers at Oval Spring Apartments
No arrests were made at the scene, and Independence Police stated that no officers were injured.
During a press conference on Friday, Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman confirmed that a woman and her 3-month-old daughter, Destiny Hope, were tragically killed in an officer-involved shooting at an apartment complex near Larkspur Lane and M-291 Frontage Road on Thursday afternoon.
Chief Dustman explained that officers initially responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance, which indicated a possible assault.
Upon arrival, officers found the woman armed with a knife, leading to an escalation that culminated in gunfire.
Dustman did not specify the exact cause of death for either the woman or the infant, but he did confirm that an officer fired at least one shot.
Following protocol, the officer involved, as well as two additional responding officers, have been placed on administrative leave while the case is under investigation.
Dustman noted that the officer who discharged their firearm is a seasoned member of law enforcement and reiterated that officers adhered to standard procedures and training during the incident.
No arrests were made at the scene, and Independence Police stated that no officers were injured.
Carrie Lufkin, the property manager of the Oval Spring Apartments, stated that the situation had originally escalated from a domestic violence incident and that the woman and her baby ultimately lost their lives.
The Police-Involved Investigation Team was immediately activated to handle the case, and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office also issued a statement confirming their involvement.
Representatives from the prosecutor’s office visited the scene and met with the independent investigation team, which will conduct witness interviews and review physical evidence, including body camera footage, to determine the exact sequence of events.
In his remarks, Chief Dustman urged the community to remain vigilant in reporting warning signs of domestic violence and to practice firearm safety within households to help prevent such tragedies.
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.