Crime
Remains of Jimmy Jay Lee found in Carroll County
Oxford, MS — The Oxford Police Department and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed that the human remains discovered in Carroll County belong to Jimmie “Jay” Lee, the University of Mississippi student who went missing nearly three years ago.
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, Carroll County deputies alerted Oxford police after deer hunters discovered human remains in a remote area of the county.
A joint investigation was immediately launched, involving the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxford Police Department, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI).
The remains were transported to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for forensic examination and DNA testing.
On Wednesday, February 5, the Mississippi State Crime Lab officially confirmed that the remains are those of Jimmie “Jay” Lee, through DNA analysis.
Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen expressed his department’s dedication to the case, stating:
“The Oxford Police Department made a commitment to finding Jay, no matter how long it took. This case has remained an active investigation since July 8, 2022. We are grateful to the Lee family and Jay’s friends for their help and support throughout this process. We hope this confirmation brings them even a small measure of comfort.”
At the time of his disappearance, Lee’s case gained significant attention as investigators pursued multiple leads.
Sheldon Timothy Herrington was charged in connection with Lee’s death, accused of committing the crime to conceal an alleged romantic relationship.
Herrington went to trial in December 2024, but the proceedings ended in a mistrial.
Authorities have stated that they are unable to provide further details at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
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.