Crime
Who was Michael Parker? Suspect identified in ambush shooting of three Lorain police officers
LORAIN, Ohio — The Lorain County Coroner’s Office has formally identified the suspect involved in Wednesday’s targeted ambush that left three Lorain police officers wounded.
The suspect has been identified as Michael Parker, 28, of Lorain. Parker was pronounced dead at the scene following the shooting.
Authorities have not yet determined whether Parker died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
Following the incident, Lorain police executed a search warrant at Parker’s residence on Lakeview Boulevard.
Officials confirmed that the scene was deemed secure by Wednesday evening.
The attack occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on River Bend Drive, a dead-end street off Colorado Avenue.
According to Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing, Officers Phillip Wagner and Peter Gale were eating lunch in their patrol vehicles when the suspect, who was reportedly armed with an “arsenal of weapons,” launched a surprise attack.
Officer Brent Payne and Officer Wagner, both of whom sustained multiple gunshot wounds, were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Officer Gale, who was shot in the hand, was treated at Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh, whose department is leading the investigation, confirmed the attack was “deliberate and planned.” He noted that the suspect used a high-powered rifle in the ambush.
“This was a calculated assault against our officers,” said Chief Welsh. “The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the support of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.”
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley addressed the media from outside MetroHealth, expressing deep concern and gratitude for the community’s support.
“We love our Lorain police officers. I consider them the best in the state of Ohio,” Mayor Bradley said. “We’ve received calls of support from Governor Mike DeWine and U.S. Senator Jon Husted’s office, both pledging full assistance.”
He added, “This is a tragic day for the city of Lorain, but we are a resilient community. We will move forward together.”
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the ambush.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Elyria Police.
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.