Crime
Officers killed in York County ambush identified as Cody Becker, Isaiah Emenheiser and Mark Baker
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — September 18, 2025 — Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that five police officers were shot on Wednesday afternoon while attempting to serve a warrant at a farm in York County.
Of those, three officers were killed, and two others remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition at WellSpan York Hospital.
During a Thursday press conference, York County District Attorney Tim Barker formally identified the gunman as 24-year-old Matthew J. Ruth. Barker emphasized that after naming him once, he would refer to him only as “the actor,” underscoring the department’s focus on the fallen officers and their families.
The Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) has identified the three officers killed in the line of duty as:
- Detective Sergeant Cody Becker
- Detective Isaiah Emenheiser
- Detective Mark Baker
A fourth officer from NYCRPD was among the two critically wounded. In a statement, the department said:
“We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”
The NYCRPD administrative offices have been closed, and coverage of municipal calls is being handled by neighboring departments with the support of Pennsylvania State Police.
Governor Josh Shapiro described the tragedy as a devastating day for both York County and the Commonwealth:
“We grieve for the loss of three precious souls who served this county, this Commonwealth, and this country. We continue to pray for the full recovery of those who are dealing with their wounds.”
The Governor also noted that this shooting comes only months after Officer Andrew Duarte of York County was killed in the line of duty earlier this year.
Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris confirmed that PSP has convened a Major Case Team to lead the investigation, in coordination with the York County District Attorney’s Office.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and those who were wounded. There are simply no words that can assuage the grief this community is enduring. The grief will be unbearable, but together we will bear it,” Paris said.
Authorities reported that the suspect, Ruth, was fatally shot by law enforcement during the confrontation.
The investigation now spans multiple locations across York County and is expected to continue throughout the night and into the coming days.
Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The crime scene remains large and active, with significant investigative resources deployed.
A more detailed overview of the findings is expected later Thursday.
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.