Crime
Todd Patterson and Rachel Stewart killed in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Checotah
CHECOTAH, OK — Authorities are investigating a suspected murder-suicide involving a man and woman found dead Tuesday on 2nd Street in Checotah, near a home belonging to relatives of the male victim.
The victims have been identified as Todd Patterson and Rachel Stewart.
According to investigators, both individuals sustained gunshot wounds, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.
While the Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination regarding the cause and manner of death, law enforcement officials currently believe no other individuals were involved in the shooting.
At the time of the incident, a child—believed to be Stewart’s—was reportedly inside a nearby vehicle. Investigators do not believe the child witnessed the shooting.
The child is now safe.
In a complex and tragic turn, it has emerged that Stewart previously worked as a caseworker for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).
She was reportedly assigned to a case involving Patterson’s children. According to the mother of Patterson’s two sons, Stewart and Patterson developed a personal relationship after her involvement as their DHS worker.
DHS confirmed that Stewart was employed with the department from August 2023 until three weeks prior to the incident.
In a statement released Wednesday, the agency said:
“This is a heartbreaking situation. We are continuing to work with local law enforcement during the investigation.”
Patterson’s family expressed shock over the incident, stating that he had been working hard to improve his life and comply with all expectations placed on him.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
Further updates are expected to be provided during the evening news broadcasts at 9 and 10 p.m.
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.