Crime
7-year-old child killed in Urbana home invasion identified
Urbana, IL – The Urbana Police Department is investigating a fatal home invasion and shooting that left two people dead, including a 7-year-old child, on Saturday evening, February 8, 2025.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting with injuries in the 900 block of Lanore Drive shortly before 8:00 p.m.
The location is situated just south of the Brookens Administrative Center, near the intersection of Lanore Drive and Washington Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 7-year-old child, identified as Darnell “DJ” Wicks, suffering from gunshot wounds. The child was immediately transported to the hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
Shortly after the child was taken for emergency medical treatment, officers located a 43-year-old Melvin Braxton near the scene, also suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The identities of both victims are being withheld pending notification of their families.
Authorities believe the shooting was the result of a home invasion, though additional details surrounding the circumstances have not yet been released.
The Urbana Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case and continues to actively investigate.
This tragic incident comes just one day after an 18-year-old was fatally shot in Urbana in an unrelated shooting on Friday night.
Investigators are currently canvassing the area in search of witnesses and video surveillance footage that could provide critical information.
Residents and business owners with exterior security cameras in the area are urged to contact the Urbana Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Urbana Police Department’s non-emergency line at (217) 384-2320.
To remain anonymous, individuals can submit tips to Champaign County Crime Stoppers through the following methods:
📞 Call: (217) 373-8477
Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any tip leading to an arrest in a homicide investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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.