Crime
Victim Fatally Shot at Peaches Corner in Myrtle Beach Identified as Grayson Meyers
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A deadly shooting at Peaches Corner, a long-standing and beloved family restaurant in Myrtle Beach since 1937, claimed the life of Grayson Meyers on Friday night.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department confirmed the victim’s identity as the investigation into the incident continues.
The alleged shooter, identified as 17-year-old Evany McCray of Conway, has been charged as an adult. McCray faces multiple charges, including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a person under 18.
According to authorities, the shooting unfolded around 11:15 p.m. after an altercation broke out inside the restaurant between McCray—an employee at Peaches Corner—and Meyers. During the confrontation, McCray allegedly pulled a firearm from his waistband and opened fire.
Meyers was struck by gunfire inside the restaurant and later succumbed to his injuries. A second individual, who was walking across the crosswalk at 9th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard, was also hit by gunfire.
That person sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Lieutenant Allen Amick of the Myrtle Beach Police Department provided further details, stating that officers responded swiftly, detaining the suspect within a minute of the shooting while additional officers administered aid to the victims.
“I heard the shots, and then the police just immediately came down here, shutting off the entire section of the street,” said Zion Atkinson, a tourist visiting from West Virginia.
Another tourist from Vermont, who asked not to be named, expressed concern for the future of her grandchildren. “I have one who’s 19 and the rest are younger. I’m worried about what they’re growing up in—this kind of thing didn’t used to happen so often.”
During the Saturday court appearance, McCray’s bond was denied for the assault and battery charge, while the two weapons-related charges carried bonds of $250,000 each.
Assistant Police Chief Chris Smith addressed the broader issue of youth violence in the community, noting, “Unlawful possession of firearms by juveniles continues to be a nationwide concern.”
Myrtle Beach enforces a curfew requiring individuals under 18 to be off the streets between midnight and 6 a.m., with exceptions such as traveling to and from work. Officials clarified that McCray was legally exempt due to being present at his place of employment during the incident.
Police Chief Amy Prock echoed the urgent need to address both local and national contributing factors, including firearm access. “We need to take action to address violence in our community,” said Chief Prock. “But we also need to look beyond the local level and work together with legislators to develop real solutions.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
Community members can contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department or provide tips anonymously.
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.