Crime
17-year-old Nathan Ockleberry killed in shooting outside North Brooke Plaza in Austin
On Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, at approximately 2:40 am, Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of a shooting at 12636 Research Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two males suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot.
One Fatality:
One of the victims, identified as Nathan Ockleberry, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene at 3:01 am.
The other injured male was transported to a local hospital by Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS). It was later discovered that a third male had also been shot, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
Escalating Incident:
Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses and processing the scene.
Their findings suggest a large group gathered at the parking lot with multiple vehicles present. The situation unfortunately escalated into a shooting.
Suspect and Investigation:
The suspect, who remains unidentified, shot and killed Mr. Ockleberry before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Seeking Information:
The Austin Police Department is actively seeking any information related to this shooting. If you have any details, you are urged to contact them at 512-974-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program website (austincrimestoppers.org) or by phone at 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
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.