Crime
Alejandro Acosta Oliveros Arrested in Connection to Serial Cat Killings and Abductions Across Orange County
SANTA ANA, CA — A man accused of abducting and killing numerous cats across Orange County has been taken into custody, Santa Ana police confirmed Wednesday.
Authorities identified the suspect as Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, 45, of Santa Ana, who has been dubbed a “serial cat killer” by law enforcement.
Officers executed a search warrant at Oliveros’ residence on Wilshire Avenue, where he was arrested without incident.
In a video posted to the Santa Ana Police Department’s official Instagram account, investigators revealed that Oliveros has already confessed to his actions.
However, authorities noted that the full extent of the crimes is still under investigation.
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not disclosed the total number of cats believed to have been harmed, but detectives indicated that the number could be substantial. “We believe the scope of this case is significant,” an official stated. “We’re working diligently to uncover how many animals may have been affected.”
Concerns about the suspect had been building for weeks, as numerous Santa Ana residents reported disturbing incidents involving missing or harmed cats.
Many shared surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts online, warning neighbors—particularly pet owners—of a man seen luring cats from private yards and neighborhoods.
One particularly notable case occurred on March 21 in Westminster, where surveillance video captured a man, believed to be Oliveros, seizing Clubber, a 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat.
Although Clubber was eventually recovered and returned home, the suspect evaded capture until this week.
Following the initial catnapping reports, the situation escalated when residents began to suspect that the stolen cats were being killed.
On platforms such as Nextdoor, disturbing accounts emerged.
One resident described witnessing a man bind a cat’s legs and carry it away.
Another user reported that a neighbor’s cat died after allegedly being injected with an unknown substance by the suspect.
“We saw the camera footage—this guy just grabbed a cat, tied its legs, and walked off toward McFadden,” one post read. Another wrote: “My neighbor’s cat was killed. He was injected with something and didn’t survive.”
In light of these revelations, police believe Oliveros may be responsible for multiple such acts across Santa Ana and possibly other nearby communities.
Authorities are working to determine whether any additional suspects are involved and are in the process of compiling evidence to present to the District Attorney’s Office.
Santa Ana Police officials have indicated that formal charges could be filed within the coming days.
The investigation remains ongoing, and residents are urged to report any suspicious activity or relevant information that could assist in the case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Ana Police Department.
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.