Crime
At least 1 dead, multiple injured after shooting at Elizabeth City State University During Viking Fest
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, April 26, 2025, on the campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).
Victim killed in ECSU shooting identified as 21-year-old Isaiah Caldwell
The Elizabeth City Police Department issued a campus-wide text alert advising residents to shelter in place after reports of shots fired near Bias Hall.
“There has been a report of shots fired on campus in the area of Bias Hall.
Shelter in place as Elizabeth City Police Department and campus police investigate the situation,” the alert stated.
Hundreds of students, alumni, and guests were gathered on campus for the final day of ECSU’s annual Viking Fest, which included the Blue and White Vikings spring football game and other festivities.
During the incident, three students sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and/or abdomen and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Tragically, one male student was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.
Eyewitness Victoria Lewis told Channel2 NOW that her daughter and grandson were near the shooting. “My daughter and her friends were able to hide safely, but my grandson was caught in the crossfire. Thankfully, he managed to run in the opposite direction and escape. Nobody but God. I am truly grateful this morning,” she said.
In response to the incident, ECSU Police, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are actively collaborating on the investigation.
Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
As a precaution, ECSU Police have increased patrols across campus, and access to the central campus area will be restricted on Sunday.
In a statement, the university expressed deep sorrow over the incident: “We are deeply saddened by this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy.”
To support students, faculty, and staff, ECSU Counseling Services will be available beginning at 10:30 a.m. today, Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. Immediate and after-hours counseling support is also available by calling 252-335-3275.
Bedell Dining Hall will be closed today. Breakfast will be delivered to residence halls beginning at 9:30 a.m. Lunch (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) will be served at the K.E. White Graduate Center. Shuttle services will be provided for students to and from dining areas.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact ECSU University Police at 252-335-3266.
The university and law enforcement agencies will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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.