Crime
Five-Year-Old Killed, Two Others Injured in Americus Shooting
Authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting.
Americus, GA – A tragic shooting in Americus on Saturday night, February 8, 2025, claimed the life of a five-year-old girl and left two others injured, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
At approximately 8:30 p.m., Americus Police Department officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 600 block of Eastview Circle.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Peyton Brielle Roberts, 5, of Americus, was among the victims.
She was immediately transported to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
A 19-year-old male was also taken to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center before being transferred to another facility, where he remains in critical condition.
A third victim, whose identity has not been released, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting.
GBI agents and Americus Police investigators are actively conducting interviews and working to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Officials urge anyone with information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the following channels:
- GBI Regional Investigative Office: (229) 931-2439
- Americus Police Department: (229) 924-3677
- GBI Tip Line: 1-800-597-8477
This remains an active investigation, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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.