Crime
11-Year-Old Julian Guzman Dies After Being Shot During ‘Ding-Dong Ditch’ Prank
HOUSTON, Texas — Police have detained a suspect after 11-year-old Julian Guzman was fatally shot while playing a prank known as “ding-dong ditch” in Houston’s Eastside late Saturday night.
The incident occurred at a residence in the 9734 block of Mimbrough, where investigators say a group of children had been playing the game — which involves ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door and then running away before anyone answers.
According to authorities, a man came outside during the prank and opened fire, striking Guzman multiple times in the back.
The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police confirmed that several firearms were recovered from the suspect’s home.
The individual, described only as a middle-aged man, was taken into custody at the scene.
Officers were observed escorting him in handcuffs back to the residence, though police have not yet released his name or confirmed whether formal charges have been filed.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the shooting. Theresa Jones, who lives nearby, called the tragedy “really sad” and emphasized the dangers of firearms around children, stating, “A bullet doesn’t have a name.”
Officials with the Houston Police Department’s Major Assault Division said the case remains under active investigation.
“At this time, prayers are going out to the family of the child that’s been shot,” an HPD officer said early Sunday morning.
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.