Crime
Woman 6 months pregnant killed after shooting outside Wawa in Delaware County
Authorities have arrested 30-year-old Evelena Williams in connection with the shooting.
UPDATE: Delaware County investigators have released new details surrounding a deadly shooting incident that occurred at a Wawa store, resulting in the tragic loss of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
The victim, identified as Latoya Davis, was found fatally wounded in the side parking lot of the Wawa with a gunshot wound to her upper torso.
Authorities have arrested 30-year-old Evelena Williams in connection with the shooting.
According to charging documents, Williams fired the fatal shot as Davis was attempting to flee the scene.
Williams remained at the scene after the shooting, informing police that she had shot Davis. She is a licensed firearm carrier, and the weapon used in the crime was recovered from the scene.
Williams faces multiple charges, including first- and third-degree murder of both Davis and her unborn child, criminal homicide, recklessly endangering another person, and other related offenses.
Investigators are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation between Davis and Williams.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A tragic shooting incident occurred Saturday evening in the parking lot of a Wawa store located in the 900 block of McDade Boulevard in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.
The incident resulted in the death of a pregnant woman.
The victim, identified as LaToya, was fatally wounded shortly before 7:30 PM. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
The incident was captured on surveillance cameras, and LaToya’s loved ones were present at the scene.
Authorities believe that a confrontation in the parking lot may have escalated into violence, leading to the shooting. A
person of interest was detained by police for questioning following the incident.
However, no further information has been released regarding this individual.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the local police department.
LaToya was a beloved member of her community, known for her kindness, love, and infectious laughter. Her untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and loved ones.
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.