Crime
School Teacher Laquana Sheppard Injured in New Orleans Terror Attack Seeks Community Support
Laquana Sheppard, a dedicated school teacher and mother, was among the victims injured in the tragic terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during the New Year’s celebrations.
Her sister, Herbrinisha Sheppard, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support Laquana as she recovers from severe injuries sustained during the incident.
“On New Year’s, my sister was part of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack,” Herbrinisha explained. “She’s currently in the hospital, recovering from this traumatic experience.”
Laquana’s injuries are significant enough to prevent her from returning to her role as a school teacher, a position she holds with great pride and love.
“She sustained severe injuries that keep her from returning to work as a loving school teacher,” Herbrinisha shared.
In addition to her professional life, Laquana is a devoted mother to her young daughter, adding another layer of urgency to her recovery and financial stability.
Herbrinisha emphasized that the funds raised will be sent directly to Laquana to help her navigate this challenging time, ensuring she can maintain stability as she undergoes her recovery.
“These funds will assist her in keeping her life somewhat stable through this critical recovery process,” Herbrinisha wrote.
She also urged the community to contribute by either donating or sharing the campaign to spread awareness.
The attack has left Laquana and her family reeling, but her sister remains hopeful that the kindness and generosity of others will help them through this trying time.
“Please help her out by donating or sharing her information. Everything is greatly appreciated!”
The GoFundMe campaign is active, and contributions of any size will directly support Laquana’s medical and living expenses as she works toward recovery.
This tragic incident has left many families, like the Sheppards, grappling with unimaginable challenges. The community’s support can make a meaningful difference in helping Laquana heal and rebuild her life.
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.