Crime
“Mom, I’m Okay”: 17-year-old Jael Anna Marie Texts Mother After Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison
The Smiths revealed they knew the victims of the shooting—a teacher and a student—but chose not to disclose their identities out of respect.
“Mom, I’m okay.” That was the reassuring text Rebekah Smith received from her 17-year-old daughter Jael Anna Marie on Monday following the tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
On Tuesday, Rebekah shared her experience, explaining that she wasn’t initially aware of the incident. When she finally checked her phone, she found “no less than 50 texts,” including the crucial message from her daughter.
“Immediately, you feel a pit in your stomach,” said James Smith, Rebekah’s husband. “You’re wondering, what does this mean for my child? You plan for these things, and you don’t want to, but it’s the world we live in today.”
The Smiths revealed they knew the victims of the shooting—a teacher and a student—but chose not to disclose their identities out of respect.
Rebekah reflected on the teacher’s dedication, saying, “That particular teacher would have done anything for those kids. She loved her school, loved her kids, and loved teaching.”
“They were beautiful lights, beautiful souls,” James added.
Rebekah, who regularly volunteers at the school, described the safety protocols in place, noting it typically takes her about five minutes to be allowed into the building.
“There are measures in place, and everyone works hard to keep the students safe,” she said.
The Smiths emphasized that the close-knit community is leaning on one another as they grapple with the aftermath of the shooting.
In a separate statement on Tuesday, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes issued a clarification regarding earlier reports about a 911 call during the incident.
While initial information suggested the call came from a second-grade student, Barnes corrected himself, stating that the call was actually made by a second-grade teacher.
“I’d like to provide an important clarification. Yesterday, after reviewing the computer-aided dispatch system, it appeared that a call came from a second grader. In reality, the call was made by a second-grade teacher,” Chief Barnes explained. “That was a mistake, and I take full responsibility. I sincerely apologize.”
The community remains united, focusing on supporting one another while honoring the memory of the victims and the bravery shown during the tragic event.
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.