Crime
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym shot and killed in Northwest DC
Authorities have confirmed that he was not the intended target of the shooting.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 21-year-old congressional intern was fatally shot Monday night in what authorities believe was a targeted attack that tragically claimed the life of an unintended victim in Northwest Washington, D.C.
The victim, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym of Granby, Massachusetts, had been serving as a summer intern for U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kan.) since June.
He was also a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was studying finance with a minor in political science.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 10:28 p.m. near the intersection of 7th and M Streets NW.
Investigators say multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of individuals in what is believed to have been a targeted attack.
Three people were struck by gunfire, including Tarpinian-Jachym, an adult woman, and a 16-year-old male.
While the other two victims were conscious at the scene, Tarpinian-Jachym was found unresponsive.
All three were transported to nearby hospitals, where Tarpinian-Jachym succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Authorities have confirmed that he was not the intended target of the shooting.
Police have since recovered the suspect vehicle, and the investigation remains active. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
In a statement, Rep. Ron Estes and his wife, Susan, extended their heartfelt condolences to the Tarpinian-Jachym family.
“Eric was an exceptional young man with a kind heart who always welcomed visitors to our office with a cheerful smile,” Estes said. “We are deeply grateful for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and our country. His loss is a tragic reminder of the senseless violence that continues to affect our communities.”
Rep. Estes has represented Kansas’ 4th Congressional District since 2017 and currently serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the Budget Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. He also chairs the Social Security Subcommittee.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or submit anonymous tips via text to 50411.
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.