Crime
57-year-old Michael Landers dies from injuries in officer-involved shooting in Vermillion County
DANA, IN – A man who was shot during a police standoff in Vermillion County on Wednesday morning has died from his injuries, according to a news release issued by the Indiana State Police (ISP).
The deceased has been identified as 57-year-old Michael Landers of Dana, Indiana.
The incident occurred on East County Road 700 near Dana and involved a response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Terre Haute Police Department SWAT Team.
ISP has launched a formal investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
According to ISP Sgt. Matt Ames, the situation began around 6:45 a.m. when a concerned family member visited Landers’ residence to conduct a welfare check.
During the visit, Landers reportedly brandished a firearm at the family member, prompting them to immediately leave the home and contact 911.
Law enforcement officers responded to the scene, and members of the Terre Haute SWAT Team arrived shortly afterward.
During the encounter, Landers is said to have pointed a firearm at officers.
In response to the perceived threat, an officer discharged their weapon, striking Landers.
Landers was initially transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in Champaign, Illinois, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard protocol while the investigation is ongoing.
No officers or other individuals were reported injured during the incident.
Indiana State Police emphasized that the investigation remains active, and further details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the ISP.
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.