Crime
57-year-old Lori Wasko killed in Susquehanna County shooting, suspect Carmine Faino dead
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PA — A deadly and chaotic shooting unfolded late Thursday morning in the borough of Thompson, leaving two Pennsylvania State Troopers injured, an EMT hurt, and two individuals dead, including the gunman.
According to investigators, the suspect—identified as 61-year-old Carmine Faino—fatally shot his next-door neighbor, Lori Wasko, 57, outside her home around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 7.
Authorities believe the attack was unprovoked. Wasko’s boyfriend immediately contacted emergency services.
Responding to the 911 call, Pennsylvania State Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were the first to arrive on the scene.
As they exited their patrol vehicles along Route 171, Faino ambushed them with a rifle, firing multiple rounds.
Trooper Perechinsky was shot twice in the chest, and Trooper Jenkins sustained gunshot wounds to both arms.
Two additional troopers arrived shortly after and were able to reach the wounded officers, facilitating their evacuation.
Both Perechinsky and Jenkins were airlifted to local hospitals and remain in stable condition.
During the standoff, officials observed Faino sitting atop a propane tank, raising serious concerns that he might attempt to use it as an explosive device.
Negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation; however, when Faino was deemed an imminent threat, he was fatally shot by law enforcement.
An EMT responding to the initial emergency was also caught in the crossfire.
His vehicle was struck by gunfire, causing him to veer off the road and sustain injuries. His condition has not been disclosed.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who confirmed the incident during a scheduled event in Bucks County, later visited Trooper Perechinsky at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.
The governor praised Perechinsky’s actions, stating that his quick and decisive response “saved lives,” including that of his fellow trooper and civilians in the area.
“He acted decisively. He acted thoughtfully. And the work he did today exemplifies the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Shapiro said.
Nikki Creps, a close acquaintance of Lori Wasko, told Channel2 NOW that Wasko was a deeply loved member of the community.
Creps expressed outrage, noting that the suspect was known to be a troubled individual and should have been incarcerated weeks earlier in connection with a prior home invasion.
Dave E. Carr Jr., who was present during the shooting, recounted a harrowing moment when a bullet narrowly missed his head as he watched troopers come under fire. Patrol vehicles were visibly damaged by gunfire, but Carr fortunately escaped unharmed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to process the crime scene and interview witnesses.
Additional details are expected to be released during a press briefing at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Dunmore.
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.