Crime
34-year-old Darrian Finley killed in shooting at Beauregard gathering
As of now, there has been no confirmation of any arrests or named suspects in connection with the incident.
A tragic incident unfolded in the Beauregard community on Saturday night when a shooting occurred at a gathering on Lee Road 11.
The violence left one man dead and another critically injured.
Darrian Finley, 34, of Opelika, was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene at 9:55 PM CT on October 5, 2024.
His body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a thorough postmortem examination.
The second victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was immediately airlifted to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Their current condition remains unknown.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are actively working to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and identify potential suspects.
As of now, there has been no confirmation of any arrests or named suspects in connection with the incident.
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.