Crime
33-year-old Nathaniel Pridemore charged in Lynchburg shooting death of 19-year-old Cash Gaudio
Upon conducting the welfare check, an adult female was found deceased.
Lynchburg, Va. – The suspect identified as Nathaniel Lee Pridemore, 33, of Lynchburg, is in custody and has been charged in connection with the shooting death of Cash Gaudio, 19, of Lynchburg, on Fairlea Court.
Pridemore was transported to the Blue Ridge Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond on the following charges:
- 2nd Degree Murder
- Use of a Firearm
- Felony Child Endangerment
- Discharge of a Firearm in the City
- Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle
- Reckless Handling
- Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm
As the investigation into this incident unfolded, it was determined that a welfare check at Pridemore’s residence was necessary.
Upon conducting the welfare check in the 1400 block of Tunbridge Road, an adult female was found deceased.
There is no ongoing threat to the community at this time, and the LPD is not seeking any additional persons of interest.
The child involved in the incident is safe and will soon be reunited with family.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
At approximately 3:45 PM today, the Lynchburg Police Department and Lynchburg Fire Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 100 block of Fairlea Court.
One adult male was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A person of interest has been detained.
There is no active threat to the public.
Anyone who may have information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Bond (434) 455-6161 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. Enter an anonymous tip online at http://p3tips.com or use the P3 app on a mobile device.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and any additional information will be released as an update to this news release.
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.