Crime
23-year-old Leviticus Burns Killed in Shooting During Gathering at Rental Property in DeKalb County
A second victim, a 21-year-old man, was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound but later succumbed to his injuries.
DeKalb County, GA — A gathering at a home in Panthersville early Saturday morning turned deadly, leaving two people fatally shot, according to DeKalb County Police.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at a house on Brandenberry Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered 23-year-old Leviticus Burns deceased at the scene.
A second victim, a 21-year-old man, was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound but later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities stated that the home, believed to be a short-term rental property, was being used for the gathering.
According to the property owner, she received a call around 2 a.m. from someone at the house expressing concerns about feeling unsafe.
Neighbors also reported hearing gunshots and subsequently contacted the property owner. Witnesses noted that several vehicles fled the scene following the gunfire.
Police have not yet determined how many people were present during the gathering and have not released any details regarding potential suspects.
Investigators are working to gather more information about the incident and the circumstances that led to the fatal shootings.
The DeKalb County Police Department urges anyone with information to contact their office or Crime Stoppers to assist in solving the case.
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.