Crime
4 killed after shooting at Owl Bar in Anaconda
ANACONDA, MT — A deadly mass shooting early Friday morning at the Owl Bar on 3rd Street in Anaconda left four people dead and triggered a high-intensity police response, prompting widespread lockdowns and a manhunt for the armed suspect.
Authorities say the suspect, believed to be wielding an AR-15-style rifle, opened fire inside or near the bar before fleeing the scene.
Initial reports estimated between two to four victims, later confirmed as four fatalities.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene as shots rang out, followed by the sound of sirens and a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the area.
Following the incident, police initiated an active search across town.
Multiple state and local law enforcement agencies converged on the community, establishing perimeters and pursuing leads as the suspect reportedly fled in a hijacked truck.
Scanner traffic and eyewitness accounts suggested the shooter was headed toward Georgetown Lake, prompting an extended search throughout Deer Lodge and neighboring areas.
At one point, officers surrounded a residence where the suspect was believed to be holed up.
The Granite County Sheriff’s Office issued an advisory confirming that deputies were stationed in the Georgetown Lake/Flint Creek area out of precaution. They described the suspect as wearing a tie-dye shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana. While officials stated there was no active threat to Granite County residents at the time, residents were asked to remain vigilant.
A source informed Channel2 NOW that the suspect is believed to be a military veteran who may have been struggling with alcohol and mental health issues. “From what I’ve been told by people who know him personally, he had reportedly stopped taking his prescribed medication,” the source said.
Anaconda was temporarily placed under a shelter-in-place order as officers moved through various neighborhoods and businesses were advised to shut down until the suspect was apprehended.
That order was briefly lifted but later reinstated amid conflicting reports and ongoing uncertainty about the shooter’s location.
Residents took to social media to share their concerns and warn others in real time. One woman wrote, “This is so scary—we’re at my mom’s in Anaconda taking care of her.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one post noting, “This is too close to home.”
Despite the large-scale search, the suspect’s identity has not yet been publicly released, and no arrest has been confirmed.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to avoid the 3rd Street and Ash Street area and not to approach active police scenes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact local authorities immediately.
As of Friday afternoon, no further updates have been issued, and the situation remains under investigation.
If you are in the area:
- Avoid police activity zones and roadblocks.
- Stay indoors unless otherwise instructed by law enforcement.
- Report any suspicious activity or tips to 911.
This is a developing story and will be updated 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.