Crime
Three Killed in Montgomery Shootings, Including 15-Year-Old Boy
MONTGOMERY, AL – Montgomery police have confirmed that three individuals, including a 15-year-old boy, were killed in separate but violent incidents that occurred between Thursday and Saturday across the city.
The victims have been identified as:
- Brantley McNabb, 15
- Malik Benson, 27
- Dekeith Whatley, 26
The first fatal shooting took place on Thursday, July 10, at approximately 2:41 p.m., when officers and fire medics responded to the 1100 block of Air Base Boulevard following a report of a gunshot victim.
Brantley McNabb, a young teenager, was found at the scene and was pronounced dead shortly after emergency personnel arrived.
Two additional homicides occurred Saturday afternoon, July 12, in what authorities believe were related shootings.
First responders were dispatched around 3:55 p.m. to reports of gunfire in two separate locations: the 400 block of North California Street and the 2700 block of Upper Wetumpka Road.
At the first scene, officers located Malik Benson, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shortly afterward, authorities found Dekeith Whatley with gunshot wounds on Upper Wetumpka Road.
Despite medical efforts, Whatley also succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators have not yet released details regarding the circumstances or possible motives behind the shootings, but have confirmed that the Saturday incidents are believed to be connected.
The Montgomery Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP, to Montgomery detectives at (334) 625-2831, or through the Secret Witness tip line at (334) 625-4000.
The investigations remain active and 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.