Crime
8-year-old Jeanellie hit and killed by Madison County School bus
The 8 year old Madison resident who was struck by the school bus earlier today has succumbed to her injuries.
She has been identified as 8-year-old Jeanellie Fredericks.
We Thank You for your continued prayers for the family, The Madison County School District, medical staff and all first responders on scene.
This matter remains under investigation and the results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Madison/ Rankin County District Attorney’s Office.
The Madison County Schools family is heartbroken at the loss of a precious student in a tragic accident on Wednesday, October 2. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to the student’s family members and friends. On Thursday and in the days to come, additional counselors will be on hand providing support for students and staff at Madison Avenue Upper Elementary and Madison Avenue Elementary. We encourage parents to reach out to the counselor’s office at their child’s school for additional resources or supports in helping their children through this difficult time.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
On October 2, 2024 at approximately 4:20 P.M., the Madison Police Department responded to a Madison County School District bus accident which struck an eight-year-old female at the intersection of Cobblestone Drive and Rockwood Drive.
First responders arrived on scene and immediately began providing medical assistance.
The juvenile was quickly transported to UMMC by Pafford and is currently in critical condition.
We ask the public to please stay away from the area, as Madison Police officers are continuing their investigation and reconstructing the scene.
All school children on the bus were reunited with their parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and Madison County School District.
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.