Crime
Mass shooting in downtown Suffolk left two people dead and three others injured
Suffolk, VA – A tragic shooting incident occurred on East Washington Street in Suffolk on Thursday night, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to three others.
Suffolk Police announced that they would be holding a press conference at 2 PM on Friday to provide updates on the ongoing investigation.
Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Washington Street at 11:25 PM following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered multiple individuals had been shot. Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the scene and provided emergency medical care.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
William Goodman Jr., age 37, was pronounced dead at the scene. Demonte Tillery, age 30, was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Three additional victims were taken to the hospital for treatment, and their current condition remains unknown.
Local residents, who declined to be identified, described the gunfire as sounding like a “warzone.” While an exact count of gunshots is difficult to determine, estimates suggest several dozen rounds were fired.
As of now, there is no information available regarding a suspect in the Suffolk shooting. The condition of the three hospitalized victims will continue to be monitored.
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.