Crime
Eastern Market shooting: 40-year-old shooter acted in self-defense, no charges filed
The shooter’s actions were deemed justified as he faced a credible threat from Welch’s weapon.
A 40-year-old man has been cleared of charges in a double-fatal shooting that occurred during a Detroit Lions tailgate at Eastern Market on Sunday.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced that the shooter acted in self-defense when confronted with a gun by Jalen Welch.
According to the investigation, a verbal altercation escalated into a physical fight involving several individuals near Shed 6.
Welch, who was not initially involved in the dispute, entered the scene brandishing a pistol.
The shooter, who was not part of the altercation, removed his own concealed weapon and fired a single shot, striking Welch in the head.
Tragically, the bullet passed through Welch and fatally struck Rayshawn Palmer, who was attempting to intervene as a peacemaker.
Prosecutor Worthy stated that under Michigan law, individuals have the right to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves or others from imminent death or great bodily harm.
In this case, the shooter’s actions were deemed justified as he faced a credible threat from Welch’s weapon.
The incident has prompted discussions about safety measures at future Lions tailgates.
Eastern Market and Detroit police are exploring options such as weapons-free zones and metal detectors to prevent similar tragedies.
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.