Crime
43-year-old Brandon Taylor killed in New Orleans terror attack
New Orleans, LA – Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook from Terrytown with a passion for rap music, was one of the 14 people tragically killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack early Wednesday morning.
Known for his quiet demeanor and deep love for music, Taylor was engaged to 38-year-old Heather Genusa, who was by his side during the horrific event.
The couple had been enjoying a night out in the French Quarter, spending time in a Bourbon Street club before the attack occurred. According to Genusa, Taylor stepped outside and was standing near a boom lift parked in the 300 block of Bourbon Street when a speeding pickup truck crashed into him.
“No one should ever have to die like that. He didn’t deserve it,” said Genusa, her voice filled with emotion.
Taylor’s 75-year-old mother, Mary Guerrera, described her son as a Christian man with a deep love for music and a kind heart.
“It’s been very difficult,” Guerrera said on Friday. “I’m pretty devastated, and I’m just trying to get through this.”
Taylor, born and raised in Marrero, was the youngest of Guerrera’s two sons and a graduate of John Ehret High School.
“He was my entire life,” said Genusa. “Brandon was my everything, and I lost it all.”
The night turned deadly just after 3:15 a.m. when the white pickup truck, driven by the suspected terrorist, sped into the crowded street. Genusa recalled narrowly dodging the truck herself, only to witness the unimaginable.
“The truck ran into the crane, and I’m pretty sure Brandon was right before the crane. He was the very last victim to be hit,” she said, her voice breaking.
When she reached Taylor, his body was draped over the front of the truck. His legs were broken, and he was struggling to breathe.
Genusa moved him to the ground and attempted rescue breathing, holding on to hope.
“I prayed over [Brandon], and I told him to never give up, to keep fighting the entire time,” she said.
Medical personnel arrived after what felt like an eternity, and Taylor was transported by ambulance. Genusa never saw him again.
Taylor’s passion for music was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed rapping and attending concerts, earning the nickname “Lazy” in his musical endeavors, according to Genusa.
O’Kieth Gibson, Taylor’s best friend since childhood, remembered him as a man deeply connected to music, whether he was performing or simply enjoying it.
Taylor’s death leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends, particularly Genusa, who described him as her world.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, which claimed 14 lives and injured several others. The driver of the truck, who also shot and wounded two New Orleans police officers, was killed by law enforcement at the scene.
The loss of Brandon Taylor is a profound reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on Bourbon Street and its impact on the lives of so many. His family and loved ones are now left to mourn a life taken far too soon.
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.