Crime
Deandra Patterson arrested in Deadly Shooting of 22-Year-Old Micah Ledbetter in Cape Girardeau
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Authorities have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the 1500 block of Whitener Street.
The Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad confirmed that Deandra Leeann Patterson, 27, of Cape Girardeau, has been formally charged in the case.
According to the Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor’s Office, Patterson faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Class A Felony – Murder in the Second Degree
- Felony – Armed Criminal Action
- Class C Felony – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Patterson is currently being held in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond.
At approximately 12:52 p.m. on Friday, May 9, officers with the Cape Girardeau Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of Whitener Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
The injury was deemed non-life-threatening, and the victim was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Shortly afterward, police were notified by an area hospital that a second gunshot victim had arrived at the emergency room by private vehicle.
That victim was identified as Micah Ledbetter, 22, of Cape Girardeau.
Despite emergency medical efforts, Ledbetter succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
The scene was secured, and investigators with the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad were activated to lead the investigation.
Through evidence collection and witness interviews, authorities developed Patterson as a suspect and issued formal charges.
The Major Case Squad continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and encourages anyone with relevant information to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department:
- Business Line: 573-339-6621
- Anonymous Tip Line: 573-339-6313
Additional updates will be released as the case progresses.
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.