Crime
Two Pennsylvania State Troopers Hospitalized, Suspect Killed in Susquehanna County Shooting
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Two Pennsylvania State Troopers were seriously injured, a civilian was killed, and the suspect was fatally shot during a violent incident late Thursday morning in Susquehanna County.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were dispatched around 11:00 a.m. to conduct a welfare check along Route 171 in Thompson Township.
Upon arrival, they were immediately met with gunfire from a suspect armed with a rifle.
Both troopers sustained serious injuries in the exchange of gunfire.
Emergency medical crews responded quickly, and the injured troopers were airlifted to a hospital.
As of Thursday evening, both remain in stable condition.
The suspect was shot and killed at the scene by law enforcement.
His identity has not yet been released, and the circumstances leading to the confrontation remain under investigation.
Lori Wasko, a resident of the area, was also shot and killed during the incident.
According to her neighbor, Nikki Creps, Kelsey was a deeply loved member of the community. Creps expressed frustration over her death, stating that the suspect — described as a troubled individual — should have been in custody weeks earlier in connection with a previous home invasion.
Witness Dave E. Carr Jr. reported that a bullet narrowly missed his head as he saw troopers come under heavy fire, with multiple patrol vehicles struck by gunfire.
Carr was not injured.
Governor Josh Shapiro, speaking during a scheduled event in Bucks County, confirmed the shooting and later traveled to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton to visit Trooper Perechinsky.
The governor commended Perechinsky for his heroic actions, noting that he saved multiple lives during the incident, including that of his partner, Trooper Jenkins.
Shapiro said Perechinsky is in good spirits and surrounded by family as he recovers.
He also confirmed plans to visit Trooper Jenkins, though the hospital where Jenkins is receiving treatment has not yet been disclosed.
A press briefing with further details is expected to be held later Thursday evening at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Dunmore.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue processing the scene and collecting evidence.
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.