Crime
Michelle Hampton Found Dead After Alleged Kidnapping in Clayton, Body Discovered in North St. Louis
No injuries have been reported from the shooting.
ST. LOUIS — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident involving the death of a woman following an alleged kidnapping early Wednesday morning.
The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Michelle Hampton, who was reportedly abducted outside her home in Clayton around 7:15 a.m. as she prepared to leave for work.
According to Michelle’s brother, Mike Potter, two men were seen forcing her into a vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The suspects also stole her car, which was later found abandoned. Michelle’s body was discovered in North St. Louis near the 4700 block of Greer Avenue.
Police reported that she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The horrifying events unfolded in front of Michelle’s twin sister, Samantha, who witnessed the kidnapping. In a desperate attempt to save her sister, Samantha pursued the suspects in her own car, despite having her children with her.
During the chase, the suspects fired at Samantha’s vehicle. Thankfully, neither she nor her children were injured in the gunfire.
Investigators believe this was a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. The area where Michelle’s body was found is close to Hickey Elementary School, prompting the school to implement a temporary soft lockdown as a precaution.
Police are actively working to gather more details about the incident and have called on the public for assistance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities. Formal identification of Michelle’s body will be confirmed by the medical examiner’s office.
The shocking incident has devastated Michelle’s family, friends, and community members, who are struggling to comprehend the loss and are determined to seek justice.
Investigators continue to follow leads as they work to bring the suspects to justice.
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.