Crime
Athir Murady Identified as Suspected Shooter in Killing of Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Corporal Maher Husseini
Husseini was on his way to work when he was ambushed by Murady, who opened fire on his SUV.
A man suspected of fatally shooting a Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable has been identified as Athir Murady.
Law enforcement sources confirmed to Channel2 NOW that Murady is believed to be the gunman who attacked Deputy Constable Maher Husseini on Tuesday.
Murady’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he provides training services in security and driving and is a licensed firearms instructor.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Fondren Road in Houston. Husseini was on his way to work when he was ambushed by Murady, who opened fire on his SUV.
After shooting at Husseini and fleeing the scene, Murady returned and fired additional rounds before leaving the area. Husseini was transported to Ben Taub Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Murady was apprehended later that day in Galveston.
A Galveston City Marshal spotted him at a hotel and pursued him when he attempted to flee.
During the chase, Murady drove his vehicle into the water and was observed swimming in the Galveston Bay.
Law enforcement officers used a boat to rescue him from the water.
As authorities attempted to take Murady into custody, he resisted and was bitten by a police K9. He was then transported to UTMB John Sealy Hospital for treatment.
Upon his release from the hospital, Murady will be booked into the Galveston County Jail and subsequently extradited back to Harris County to face charges related to the deputy’s murder.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.