Crime
Midfield Records First Homicide of 2025 as 21-Year-Old Man Fatally Shot
At this time, no arrests have been announced.
Midfield, AL – Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Midfield that claimed the life of a 21-year-old man, marking the city’s first homicide of the year.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as De’arrius Denard Starks, a resident of Midfield.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. in the 1400 block of Rayfield Drive.
Midfield Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene and pronounced Starks deceased at 11:03 p.m.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the homicide.
At this time, no arrests have been announced, and authorities have not disclosed any potential suspects or motives.
Starks’ death marks the 21st homicide reported in Jefferson County in 2025.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact sheriff’s investigators at (205) 325-1450 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.
The investigation remains 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.