Crime
11 people shot, 2 fatally, at block party in northeast Houston, Texas
The family of one of the victims identified him as 23-year-old Breon Stuard.
Houston, TX – A joyous block party in northeast Houston turned tragic on September 14, 2024, when a drive-by shooting left two people dead and nine others injured.
The incident occurred on Laura Koppe Road at Lockwood Drive, where a large crowd had gathered for a celebration. A white pickup truck drove by and opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the deaths of two Black males in their 20s.
The family of one of the victims identified him as 23-year-old Breon Stuard. Police reported that the other victim was a man in his early 20s.
Nine other individuals were injured, either from gunshot wounds or while trying to escape the chaos. Investigators discovered evidence of multiple weapons used in the attack, as two different types of shell casings were found at the scene.
The truck involved in the shooting was last seen heading west on Laura Koppe Road towards I-59. Authorities are actively working to obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes to identify the suspects.
The Houston Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the shooting. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact HPD’s homicide division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
The community is reeling from the senseless violence that claimed two young lives and affected so many others. The search for justice continues as authorities work to apprehend those responsible for this horrific crime.
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.