Crime
UW-Platteville shelter in place lifted, no active threat
This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals.
Latest Update: In an email to the campus community, Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich identified the students as 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit, Wisconsin, and 22-year-old Hallie Helms of Baraboo, Wisconsin.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified,” Chancellor Evetovich stated.
The incident occurred inside Wilgus Hall, a campus residence facility. UW-Platteville and local law enforcement have not yet released further details about the nature of the incident, but authorities have confirmed that it remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Officials have emphasized that there is no continuing threat to the campus community.
According to a post on Wilgus Hall’s official Facebook page, Kelsie Martin had graduated just two days prior and served as a resident director in 2024.
In response to the tragedy, the university has made mental health resources available for students and staff. UW-Platteville’s Counseling Services will offer triage counseling sessions Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line is available at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004, staffed by licensed mental health professionals. The hotline will remain open overnight and will adjust its hours based on campus needs.
The university community continues to grieve as it seeks answers surrounding this devastating loss.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and law enforcement has confirmed there is no active threat. However, emergency responders remain on scene, and the public is advised to continue avoiding the area around Wilgus Hall.
A UW-Platteville spokesperson stated via text that “an incident occurred in one of our residence halls.” Although the active threat has been ruled out, authorities are continuing to systematically clear buildings across campus as a precaution.
Grant County coroner called to scene.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — An emergency situation unfolded Monday afternoon at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, prompting a shelter-in-place order for students, faculty, and staff.
The nature of the incident remains unclear, though multiple unconfirmed reports suggest a possible active shooter on campus.
Students and staff received an emergency alert via mobile devices instructing them to immediately shelter in place and avoid the campus area.
The alert, distributed through the university’s emergency notification system, advised individuals to remain indoors, lock doors, and await further instructions from authorities.
The Platteville Police Department has confirmed that officers have responded to the university and are currently on scene.
As of this time, there has been no official confirmation from law enforcement regarding the presence of an active shooter or any confirmed injuries.
Emily Mlinar reported that her sister is currently on campus. The initial emergency call indicated a student had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting up to three possible casualties.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the situation, and university officials are working closely with emergency personnel to ensure the safety of the campus community.
The University of Wisconsin–Platteville has urged anyone not already on campus to stay away until the all-clear is given.
Additional updates are expected to be provided as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Platteville Police Department immediately.
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.