Crime
15-year-old killed in Charlotte shooting
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed late Thursday night in a shooting incident at an apartment complex in northeast Charlotte, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to the scene just before 11:30 p.m. on Merrick Street, located near North Tryon Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a teenage male, later identified as Syllavon, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Initial reports indicate that gunfire was directed into the apartment building, damaging property and resulting in the fatal injury to the teen.
CMPD’s Homicide Unit, along with crime scene investigators, Charlotte Fire Department crews, and paramedics, were called to the complex to begin an extensive investigation.
Throughout the night, police were seen canvassing the parking lot and surrounding areas, collecting evidence and speaking with potential witnesses.
Detectives are working to determine whether the victim was the intended target or if the shooting was a result of indiscriminate gunfire.
As of early Friday morning, no suspects had been publicly identified, and no arrests had been made.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Members of the public with relevant tips are encouraged to contact CMPD Homicide Unit detectives directly at 704-432-TIPS.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 704-334-1600.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.