Crime
Christopher Rowell kills 3 women, shoots himself in Hilliard home, 5-year-old daughter able to escape
Sources have confirmed that one of the victims is Marissa Rowell, Christopher Rowell’s wife.
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A man fatally shot three women inside a Hilliard home Thursday evening before turning the gun on himself in a suspected murder-suicide, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
During a Friday morning press conference, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper described the incident as both “tragic” and “heartbreaking.”
The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. at a residence on West 12th Avenue.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when a 5-year-old girl reportedly walked from the home to a neighbor’s house and informed them that 34-year-old Christopher Rowell had killed three women inside.
Deputies quickly responded and entered the residence. While conducting a search of the home, officers discovered a woman lying in a pool of blood between the living room and dining room.
As deputies rendered aid to the victim, they noticed Rowell nearby, also lying in blood with a gunshot wound to the head.
An SKS-style rifle was found beside him.
Deputies noted that Rowell still had a faint pulse and immediately called for medical assistance.
Further searching revealed two additional female victims—one located in a bathroom, and the other in a bedroom.
All three women were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff Leeper confirmed that the women were related in some capacity, though he declined to specify the nature of their relationships pending official family notifications.
However, sources have confirmed that one of the victims is Marissa Rowell, Christopher Rowell’s wife.
Christopher Rowell was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, where he remains under medical care. His exact condition has not been updated.
The 5-year-old girl, who miraculously was not physically harmed in the attack, is now in the custody of relatives.
Sheriff Leeper described the child as “a very strong and beautiful little girl” who is understandably in shock from the traumatic ordeal.
“This little girl has endured something no child should ever have to witness,” Leeper said. “She is going to need love, support, and a lot of help in the coming years. I just ask everyone to please keep her in your prayers.”
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is expected to release additional details as the case develops.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
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.