Crime
Illegal Gun Deal Turned Robbery Led to Mass Shooting in Spotsylvania County
The suspects, identified as two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson.
A tragic shooting in Spotsylvania County has left three young men dead and resulted in criminal charges for four others—three of whom are juveniles—following what investigators say was an illegal gun transaction that escalated into a robbery.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of four individuals in connection with the incident.
The suspects, identified as two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, have been charged with Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Unlawful Assembly.
Authorities confirmed that one of the 16-year-old suspects remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound and will be taken into custody upon his release.
According to Major Elizabeth Scott, two of the suspects are residents of Spotsylvania County and the other two are from Caroline County.
Three of the individuals are currently being held without bond.
Deputies responded to the 400 block of Olde Greenwich Circle at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
When first responders arrived, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
The three deceased victims were identified as:
- Chase Feaster, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- Alonzo Goffney, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- An unidentified 20-year-old male, whose name is being withheld pending confirmation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Three additional individuals sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed.
Investigators determined that the shooting was the result of an illegal firearm transaction that turned violent.
Major Scott praised the work of detectives in bringing swift resolution to the case and expressed gratitude to the Fredericksburg Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their support in the investigation.
“We are deeply thankful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the cooperation of the community during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time,” Scott stated.
As a precautionary measure, Fredericksburg City Public Schools operated on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, April 9.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
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.