Crime
19-year-old Preston Church killed in southeast Fort Wayne shooting
The coroner determined that the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.
The Allen County Coroner has identified the victim of a recent shooting on the city’s southeast side.
Preston Jermere Church, 19, of Fort Wayne, tragically lost his life in the incident.
Fort Wayne Police initiated an investigation into the shooting on Thursday night, October 3rd, in the 6000 block of Waycross Drive near the intersection of Paulding and Hessen Cassel roads.
Church sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he was sadly pronounced deceased.
The coroner determined that the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Fort Wayne Police Department at 260-427-1201, Crime Stoppers at 260-436-7867, or utilize the P3 Tips app.
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.