Crime
Who is Kerri Rollo? Vandalizing Charlie Kirk memorial in front of Bentonville Court House
UPDATE: Two Bentonville women were arrested Wednesday in connection with vandalizing a memorial dedicated to Charlie Kirk outside the Benton County Courthouse.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office learned Tuesday of a vandalism incident at the courthouse involving the makeshift memorial, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.
A video that had been posted online shows a person tearing up a sign and kicking items comprising the memorial, which had been set up at the bottom of the courthouse steps in downtown Bentonville.
Following a “swift investigation,” detectives identified and arrested two women in connection with criminal mischief in the first degree, a misdemeanor: Kerri Melissa Rollo, 23, and Kaylee Heather Rollo, 22, both of Jonquilla Way in Bentonville; Kaylee Rollo faces an additional charge of obstruction of governmental operations, according to the release.
Both were being held Wednesday at the Benton County Jail with no bond set.
Kirk, a conservative political activist, was assassinated during a public appearance Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
BENTONVILLE, AR — Authorities have confirmed that an Arkansas Tech University student was involved in the defacement of a public memorial honoring activist Charlie Kirk in front of Bentonville Court House.
Police identified the individual as Kerri Melissa Rollo who appeared in a widely circulated video allegedly damaging the memorial alongside her younger sister.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Rollo was previously arrested during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 71, near a rest area, where she was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jacqueline Nichole Maberry, 20, was also taken into custody during the same stop and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following the release of the video, Rollo’s connection to Bella’s Table, a restaurant in Bella Vista, drew public scrutiny. Community members contacted the business demanding accountability.
In response, Bella’s Table issued a public statement addressing the situation:
“We understand your outrage over this incident. The individual who defaced the Charlie Kirk memorial does not represent or define our company, nor the hard-working team that serves our community every day. This person’s actions are not a reflection of our standards, values, or culture. Please know that we are addressing this matter internally with the seriousness it deserves. We ask that the dedication and professionalism of our broader staff not be overshadowed by the poor choices of one individual. Our commitment remains to honor our values and provide a respectful and positive experience for all.”
Additionally, sources confirmed that Rollo has been removed from the residence where she was living at the time of the incident.
The Bentonville Police Department continues to review the defacement case, though no additional charges have yet been announced in relation to the vandalism.
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.