Crime
Apalachee High School Shooting Suspect and Father Appear in Court, Colt Gray’s father Colin faces up to 180 years in prison
The father and son accused of involvement in the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, made their initial court appearances on Friday.
The shooting, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers.
Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspected shooter, faces four counts of felony murder and could potentially face life imprisonment if convicted.
His father, Colin Gray, is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
The proceedings were presided over by Superior Court Judge Currie M. Mingledorff, who informed Colt Gray that he would not be eligible for the death penalty due to his age.
The suspected shooter is expected to face additional charges as investigators continue to gather information from injured victims. His case will be presented to a grand jury on October 17, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 4.
Colin Gray, who allegedly provided his son with a firearm despite recognizing the danger he posed, could face a maximum prison sentence of 180 years if convicted on all charges.
The district attorney, Brad Smith, clarified that his decision to charge the father was not intended to send a message but rather to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The victims of the shooting have been identified as Richard Aspinwall, Cristina Irimie, Mason Schermerhorn, and Christian Angulo. Their families and friends are mourning their loss and remembering their lives.
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.