Crime
Angel Aleman, Lydia Hernandez and a dog found dead after shooting near Mackenzie Park in Lubbock
Lubbock, TX – The Lubbock Metro Special Crimes Unit is actively investigating a double homicide and the death of a dog that occurred in East Lubbock on September 10th.
According to police reports, officers were called to a shots fired incident in the 300 block of Cesar E. Chavez Drive around 8:18 a.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered 55-year-old Angel Aleman deceased at the scene.
A 47-year-old woman, Lydia Hernandez, was also found with serious injuries and was transported to University Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her wounds.
In addition to the human fatalities, a dog belonging to Aleman was found dead at the scene.
The Lubbock Texas Anti-Gang Unit and the Lubbock Police Department’s Forensic Unit are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
While no arrests have been made at this time, authorities believe the incident to be isolated and not a random act of violence.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact Crime Line at (806) 741-1000.
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.