Crime
Newton County Teen Wanted in Fatal Shooting of Stepfather in Covington
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a 16-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting his stepfather during a domestic incident in Covington on Monday evening.
Deputies responded to a report of a shooting around 6:15 p.m. on May 13 in the area of Avery Drive.
Upon arrival, they discovered 41-year-old David Gay of Covington deceased inside his residence from an apparent gunshot wound.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Gay was shot and killed by his stepson, identified as Jayden Daniel, 16, also of Covington.
Following the incident, Daniel reportedly fled the scene in a 2016 Cadillac Escalade registered to the victim.
The vehicle was later located at Denny Dobbs Park by investigators; however, Daniel was not found at the location.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has issued arrest warrants for Daniel, who is currently considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities have not yet released details on the motive or circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Law enforcement urges the public not to approach the suspect if seen.
Anyone with information on Daniel’s whereabouts is asked to immediately contact 911 or the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.
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.