Crime
54-year-old Earl Miller Shot and Killed Following Altercation at Sonic Soft Car Wash in Woodbridge
The argument became physical, and the suspect, identified as Jermaine Antwoine Lewis (25, of Springfield, VA), shot Mr. Miller in the upper body.
On Saturday, September 14, 2024, at approximately 3:52 PM, Prince William County officers responded to a report of a shooting at Sonic Soft Car Wash (14109 Richmond Hwy., Woodbridge, VA 22191).
Investigators determined that a 54-year-old man, later identified as Earl Duwan Miller, was involved in a verbal argument with another man outside the car wash.
The argument became physical, and the suspect, identified as Jermaine Antwoine Lewis (25, of Springfield, VA), shot Mr. Miller in the upper body.
A woman with Mr. Lewis, Vinisha Lanisa Neville (29, of Woodbridge, VA), also brandished a firearm during the altercation.
Following the shooting, Mr. Lewis and Ms. Neville fled the scene in their vehicle. They were apprehended by Virginia State Police along I-95 in Fairfax County a short while later.
Mr. Miller was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries. There were no other reported injuries, and damage was limited to a single bullet hole in an exterior wall.
Mr. Lewis has been charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting from an occupied vehicle.
He is currently being held without bond. Ms. Neville has been charged with brandishing a firearm. Her court date and bond information are not yet available.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Prince William County Police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.
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.