Crime
Shawn Stines Asked Mullins’ Phone to Call Daughter Before Opening Fire Seconds After Viewing Judge’s Screen
Surveillance footage captured the entire confrontation, showing Stines opening fire on Mullins multiple times.
In a shocking turn of events, former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines has been indicted on murder charges following the fatal shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers.
New details revealed in court proceedings shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.
According to testimony from Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper, Sheriff Stines attempted to contact his daughter multiple times on the day of the shooting, even using Judge Mullins’ phone.
Surveillance footage captured the entire confrontation, showing Stines opening fire on Mullins multiple times.
Despite his actions, Stines remained calm after the shooting and offered little explanation for his actions.
However, the state presented evidence suggesting premeditation, including the fact that Stines and Mullins had met for lunch earlier in the day and that Stines had expressed concerns about his family’s safety.
Stines’ attorney argued for a lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter, citing extreme emotional disturbance.
However, the judge ruled that the evidence supported the murder charge.
Governor Andy Beshear had previously requested Stines’ resignation, and Stines ultimately announced his retirement from the sheriff’s office.
The case is now headed to a grand jury, where a decision on Stines’ future will be made.
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.