Crime
11-year-old Samiya McClain and 50-year-old Ron Tate killed in Laplace likely “targeted” shooting

UPDATE: St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre provided an update on the investigation into a devastating shooting incident that occurred in Laplace on Friday night, resulting in the deaths of an 11-year-old girl and a 50-year-old man.
Sheriff Tregre confirmed that the victims were related and released their names: 11-year-old Samiya McClain and 50-year-old Ron Tate.
Tate was the owner of the home on North Sugar Ridge Road where the shooting took place, and McClain was his niece.
The incident unfolded shortly before midnight as the family was preparing for a 3-year-old’s birthday party. While blowing up balloons, they were suddenly targeted by gunfire.
Surveillance footage captured an individual pulling up and firing multiple rounds into the home. At least a dozen bullets struck the house, tragically killing McClain and Tate.
A young woman inside the home was also injured but is expected to recover from a grazing wound.
Sheriff Tregre emphasized that the shooting was a targeted, planned attack and not a random act of violence. Evidence gathered so far supports this conclusion.
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Sergeant Vince Smith at 504-494-3696 or 985-359-8763. Citizens can also reach out to the St. John Sheriff’s Office directly.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
An 11-year-old girl and a 50-year-old man were fatally shot in a late-night incident in LaPlace, Louisiana.
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting at approximately 11:48 p.m. on Friday, October 4th, in the 1300 block of North Sugar Ridge Drive.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims, the 11-year-old girl and the 50-year-old man, were transported to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The third victim sustained a graze wound and is expected to recover.
Investigators are actively working to identify a suspect and determine the motive behind the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Vince Smith at 504-494-3639 or 985-359-8763.
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.