Crime
44-year-old Michael William Dow arrested after deadly home shooting in Sumter County
SUMTER COUNTY, SC — A 44-year-old Sumter County man has been arrested and formally charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a local resident, along with several additional felony offenses.
Michael William Dow, a resident of Old Field Road in Sumter, was taken into custody on May 7, 2025, following the execution of an arrest warrant issued earlier that same day.
Dow faces multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Trafficking in Cocaine
- Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime
- First-Degree Burglary
The arrest stems from an investigation into the death of Robert Dustin Burleson, whose body was found inside his home during the early morning hours of Wednesday.
Deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and quickly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Burleson’s death.
Later that day, law enforcement personnel—including members of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Narcotics Unit—executed a search warrant at Dow’s residence. He was arrested without incident.
According to Sheriff Anthony Dennis, the investigation revealed that Dow allegedly broke into Burleson’s home and fatally shot him during what authorities believe was a personal dispute.
Evidence gathered at the scene and during the subsequent search led to Dow being charged with murder and additional crimes related to drugs and weapons.
Sheriff Dennis praised the efforts of the deputies and investigative teams for their swift and effective action.
“We believe Mr. Dow acted alone in this senseless act of violence,” said Sheriff Dennis. “This was a tragic and deliberate event, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served.”
Michael William Dow is currently being held without bond at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
The investigation remains active and 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.