Crime
2 injured after shooting at Walmart in Evergreen Park, suspect in custody
EVERGREEN PARK, Ill. — A chaotic scene unfolded Wednesday evening at the Walmart Supercenter near 95th Street and Western Avenue after gunfire erupted inside the busy store, leaving two people shot and several others injured while fleeing the area, according to authorities.
The Evergreen Park Police Department, assisted by Chicago Police and multiple emergency agencies, responded to the incident around 7:20 p.m. following reports of an active shooter situation.
Upon arrival, officers quickly entered and secured the store, locating two gunshot victims—one person shot in the leg and another grazed in the foot.
Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Their conditions have not yet been released.
In addition to the shooting victims, several other individuals sustained minor injuries while attempting to escape the store amid the panic.
An EMS Plan 1 was activated, bringing multiple ambulances and fire units from surrounding jurisdictions to assist with triage and medical aid.
Initial witness accounts and surveillance footage indicated that the suspect, described as a light-skinned Black male with short dreadlocks, was wearing all black clothing and a shirt bearing a large Mario logo.
He initially fled the scene on foot and was later believed to have escaped in a Chevy Malibu.
Authorities have since confirmed that the suspect is in custody.
The Walmart was placed on lockdown as officers conducted a systematic sweep of the building to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees.
The scene remains secure as investigators from Evergreen Park Police, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and regional task forces continue processing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
At this time, the motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and police have not confirmed whether the suspect and victims were acquainted.
Witnesses described moments of panic and confusion as customers ran for cover or fled through emergency exits when gunfire erupted inside the store.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, photos, or video footage related to the incident to contact the Evergreen Park Police Department.
The investigation is 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.