Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Wegmans Warehouse identified as Jmere Smith
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Authorities have identified the victim fatally shot at the Wegmans Warehouse in Gates as 20-something-year-old Jmere Smith.
The deadly shooting occurred late Saturday afternoon and is currently under active investigation.
According to Gates Police Chief Robert Long, officers responded to the Wegmans Distribution Center located at 1500 Brooks Avenue around 4:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found the victim, later identified as Jmere Smith, suffering from three gunshot wounds to the chest at close range.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical personnel.
The suspect fled the area before police arrived. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding area or nearby businesses.
The incident prompted a coordinated response involving the Gates Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Greece Police Department.
Chief Long noted that, at this time, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made.
Investigators do not believe the shooting is related to a separate incident that took place Friday outside an Amazon Distribution Center, also located in Gates.
The suspect’s identity has not been released, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.
Individuals with relevant details are asked to contact 911 or reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
The Gates Police Department continues to lead the investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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.