Crime
17-year-old Davion Pryor charged with murder after shot his mother in the head four times at point-blank range
The shooting occurred at her home on Cornell Avenue.
A 17-year-old Chicago teen was taken into custody after allegedly murdering his mother in the South Shore neighborhood. Davion Pryor was arrested in the 7000 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue and charged with first-degree murder.
According to prosecutors, Pryor shot his mother, 43-year-old Tatanisha Jackson, in front of family members. The shooting occurred at her home on Cornell Avenue.
Prosecutors said that Pryor had called Jackson shortly before the incident to inform her of someone drinking on their back porch.
When she arrived home and unlocked the door, Pryor allegedly opened it from the inside and shot her four times at point-blank range. Jackson’s husband and 7-year-old son were present at the time.
Following the shooting, Pryor fled the scene but later turned himself in to police. He has a history of juvenile offenses, including aggravated battery and vehicular hijacking. At the time of the shooting, Pryor was under home confinement awaiting a court appearance on October 3rd.
In court, Pryor’s grandmother revealed that he had been diagnosed with mental health problems in the past and had recently stopped taking his medication. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation to be conducted.
Tatanisha Jackson leaves behind three sons and an older stepdaughter. Pryor will remain in custody, with a court hearing scheduled for next Friday.
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.