Crime
Victims Identified in Mamou Mardi Gras Concert Shootings
Authorities have identified the two teenage victims who tragically lost their lives in the recent Mamou Mardi Gras concert shootings, which left two dead and 14 others injured.
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Bryson Green and Alaya Christian, both of whom were struck by gunfire during the violent incidents.
Bryson Green, affectionately known as “BREAL” by his loved ones, is remembered as a protective and lighthearted young man.
“He loved to chill and laugh,” said his parents, Trina and David Green. “Even though he was the youngest of his siblings, he always made sure his sisters were safe and protected wherever they went.” Green leaves behind his parents and five siblings, all of whom are devastated by his loss.
The second victim, Alaya Christian, was an honor student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School.
In addition to excelling academically, she was an active member of the school’s softball team and student council.
School leaders expressed their grief over her passing, saying she will be “deeply missed” by the entire school community.
The shootings took place during Mardi Gras celebrations in Mamou, where large crowds had gathered for a concert.
Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire from a fully automatic weapon, triggering mass panic as hundreds of people ran for their lives.
Mamou Police Chief Pat Hall described the aftermath as officers arrived at the scene:
“When we got to the area, we saw several people injured. Two individuals succumbed to their injuries, two are in critical condition at Lafayette General, and the rest are being treated for various gunshot wounds.”
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the shootings and whether the two incidents are connected.
This tragedy follows another shooting on Monday, which left three people wounded during the same Mardi Gras celebrations.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to contact the Mamou Police Department or Evangeline Parish Crime Stoppers.
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.