Crime
4 dead, 17 injured in “targeted paid to kill” mass shooting at Five Points South in Birmingham
A devastating mass shooting occurred in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood on Saturday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of four people and injuries to 17 others.
The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue. Responding officers discovered three victims, two men and a woman, unresponsive on the sidewalk.
Sadly, they were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim was later pronounced deceased at UAB Hospital.
UAB Hospital received a total of 12 victims, including the deceased individual.
Four of those victims remain hospitalized in varying conditions, ranging from good to critical.
The remaining victims were transported to other hospitals throughout the city.
According to police, multiple suspects arrived at the location in a vehicle. They exited the vehicle and opened fire on a group of people gathered on the sidewalk, indiscriminately firing shots before fleeing the scene. Authorities believe the shooting was not random but rather a targeted attack, with innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond revealed in a press conference that the targeted victim was likely paid to be killed.
He also confirmed that fully automatic weapons were used in the attack, with over 100 shell casings recovered from the scene. Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed deep concern about the increasing prevalence of such violent acts in the city.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Witnesses can contact the Birmingham Police Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or 911. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
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.