Crime
21-year-old Kaizen Simmons killed in Killeen shooting
The Killeen Police Department has launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 21-year-old man who was shot early Tuesday morning.
At approximately 1:26 a.m. on April 29, officers were dispatched to the 5000 block of Morning Star Lane in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency medical personnel responded and immediately initiated life-saving efforts.
The victim was transported in critical condition to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Kaizen Amere Simmons, 21.
Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced Simmons deceased and ordered an autopsy to be conducted at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
According to initial findings from the investigation, the shooting occurred while the suspect—believed to have been inside a vehicle—was meeting someone on the street.
The exact circumstances leading up to the gunfire remain under investigation.
Killeen Police are asking residents in the area to review any home surveillance footage for individuals walking nearby around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information or relevant video evidence is urged to use the department’s provided QR code to submit tips or contact the Killeen Police Department directly at 254-501-8800.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.