Crime
Joselyn Espinoza murderer Francisco Ochoa is out on $50,000 bond
Houston police have charged 19-year-old Francisco Javier Ochoa with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Joselyn Espinoza.
Arely De Luna, the mother of Joselyn Espinoza, expressed her frustration and outrage over the fact that Ochoa, the individual accused of her daughter’s murder, is out on a $50,000 bond, while her family is still struggling to cover funeral expenses. “How is it possible that this murderer is out on bond until his next court date on December 3rd?” she asked.
De Luna urged the prosecutor at the 209th District Court to either upgrade the charges immediately or bring Ochoa back to court before the December hearing. “My daughter deserves justice. My granddaughter is devastated, knowing that her mother is never coming back.”
She called the decision to release Ochoa on bond “an insult and a slap in the face,” expressing fear for her and her family’s safety now that Ochoa is free. De Luna emphasized that it feels as though the prosecutor is more concerned about Ochoa and his family than the victims. “I will not sit by and do nothing,” she declared.
De Luna also noted that, before Ochoa was taken into custody, there had been suspicious activity around her home, with cars driving by slowly and parking outside for extended periods. These vehicles had no tags and would speed away after a while. “I felt a little more at peace when he was in custody, but not anymore.”
She concluded by vowing to take action after her daughter’s burial, saying, “I will make as many phone calls, visit as many places, and do whatever it takes to put you back in jail.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of September 15th when Espinoza was found suffering from a gunshot wound at St. Joseph Medical Center. Despite being transported to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, she tragically succumbed to her injuries.
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.