Batavia, Illinois – An Illinois man is facing first-degree murder charges after prosecutors say he brutally killed his wife during a domestic dispute, later claiming he acted in self-defense.
Police in Batavia say Hector Luvianos-Barrera, 37, was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after calling 911 to report the violent incident at an apartment on Church Street. Officers arrived around 4:30 a.m. and found Luvianos-Barrera outside the residence, where he was arrested without incident.
Inside the apartment, authorities discovered his wife suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts by paramedics to save her, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim identified by coroner
The Kane County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Noemi Parada Narvaez, 43. Police described the incident as domestic-related, noting there were no immediate signs of forced entry or involvement by anyone else.
Luvianos-Barrera has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is currently being held at the Kane County Jail without bond.
Prosecutors outline graphic details in court
Gruesome new details emerged during a court hearing held on Christmas Eve, when prosecutors described what they characterized as an exceptionally violent attack.
Assistant State’s Attorney Tyler Cox told the judge that Luvianos-Barrera allegedly stabbed his wife 20 to 30 times in the head, along with an additional 20 to 25 stab wounds to her back, neck, and chest. Prosecutors also allege that he repeatedly struck her head and body with a hammer, causing extensive injuries, including a fractured skull.
By the time first responders arrived, Narvaez’s body was reportedly covered in lacerations and blunt-force trauma. Prosecutors said she was found face down on the floor, partially covered with a blanket.
Defendant claims self-defense
According to prosecutors, Luvianos-Barrera told police the couple had been drinking alcohol and watching a movie earlier in the night when an argument began. He allegedly claimed that Narvaez accused him of infidelity and started throwing objects at him.
Cox told the court that Luvianos-Barrera said he attempted to calm the situation by hugging his wife, only to realize she was allegedly holding a knife behind her back. He claimed he managed to take the knife from her and push her down, but said the confrontation continued.
At that point, prosecutors said, Luvianos-Barrera admitted he began stabbing her repeatedly and striking her with a hammer.
“I defended myself and exceeded myself and killed her,” he allegedly told investigators.
Prosecutors reject self-defense argument
The state sharply disputed the defendant’s version of events. Cox described the killing as “a brutal and violent attack that went well beyond any inkling that it was self-defense.” Prosecutors emphasized the sheer number of stab wounds and the use of a hammer as evidence that the attack escalated far beyond any reasonable claim of self-protection.
The judge agreed there was sufficient cause to detain Luvianos-Barrera without bond while the case proceeds.
What happens next
Luvianos-Barrera remains in custody at the Kane County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 2. If convicted on the first-degree murder charges, he could face decades in prison or a potential life sentence under Illinois law.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to review evidence and witness statements connected to the deadly incident.
A reminder about domestic violence resources
Cases involving domestic violence often escalate quickly and can have tragic consequences. Experts urge anyone experiencing threats or violence at home to seek help immediately through local law enforcement or confidential support services.
If you or someone you know is in danger, contacting emergency services or a domestic violence hotline can provide immediate assistance and resources.
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