Crime
US border patrol agent 44-year-old David Maland killed in Vermont south of border
One suspect was killed during the encounter, while a second suspect was injured and taken into custody.
Coventry, VT — A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot in the line of duty Monday during an incident on Interstate 91 in northern Vermont, approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border.
The agent has been identified by sources as 44-year-old David Maland, who had served with the Border Patrol for nearly a decade, joining the agency—known as the “Green Family”—in 2015.
Maland initially served in Texas before transferring to Vermont, where he was assigned to the Swanton Sector, which covers the international border across Vermont, parts of New York, and New Hampshire.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the agent’s death in an official statement, classifying it as a “line of duty death.” B
enjamine Huffman, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expressed condolences and assured a thorough investigation into the incident.
The FBI, which is leading the investigation, stated that in addition to Agent Maland, one suspect was killed during the encounter, while a second suspect was injured and taken into custody.
Authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The FBI’s Albany, New York office, along with the Vermont State Police, responded to the scene.
As a result of the shooting, a portion of Interstate 91 was temporarily closed in both directions for approximately two hours. The northbound lanes were reopened shortly after 5 p.m.
Acting DHS Secretary Huffman emphasized the dedication and sacrifices made by Border Patrol agents, stating:
“Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure. This tragedy will be swiftly investigated to ensure accountability.”
In a joint statement, Vermont lawmakers—Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint— extended their condolences to the fallen agent’s family and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Border Patrol personnel through enhanced staffing, pay, and working conditions.
The Swanton Sector, where Agent Maland was assigned, is responsible for patrolling 295 miles (475 kilometers) of the U.S.-Canada border, an area that has seen increased enforcement efforts in recent months.
Federal authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting but have assured the public that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact federal or local law enforcement agencies.
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.