Crime
3 killed after shooting on Griffin Road in Spartanburg County
The Woodruff Police Department is investigating a tragic shooting incident that occurred on September 27th. Four people were shot, resulting in three fatalities. A fourth victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident stemmed from a dispute over hunting land access. Family members of the victims were witnesses to the shooting and have been interviewed by authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be released after consultation with the Solicitor’s Office.
All parties involved have been identified, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
According to Ronnie Faulkner, My son is a true hero. He saved five lives while protecting his own son during a horrific incident. When the attacker, armed with an AR-15, shot my friend Paul, my son, Jeremy Faulkner, bravely stepped in and opened fire on the gunman. Despite being outgunned, Jeremy managed to fatally shoot the attacker, who had just taken Paul’s life. Tragically, the gunman then turned his weapon on Jeremy, shooting and killing him.
In his final moments, Jeremy’s bravery saved not only his own son but also Paul’s wife, their three kids, Kyle, and his little boy. These people owe their lives to my son’s courageous actions. We don’t yet know who the attackers are, but we will find out. Jeremy Faulkner gave his life to protect others, and he will always be remembered as a hero.
A group of friends and family were enjoying a day outdoors on four-wheelers when they encountered a tragic incident. Jeremy Faulkner, a 9-year-old boy, his father, and their friends were clearing debris from the roads and checking on the water levels near a creek.
They encountered two men near the creek who became involved in a verbal dispute with Paul, one of the friends. The situation escalated when one of the men pulled a gun on Paul and pointed it at his face. Paul pleaded with the man not to shoot, explaining that there were children present.
The man, believed to be in his early 20s, began shooting at Paul from the side. In a desperate act of bravery, Jeremy grabbed his own gun and fired at the assailant, fatally striking him. The second suspect, who was also injured, fled the scene but later turned himself in at a hospital.
The incident highlights the dangers of gun violence and the tragic consequences it can have.
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.