Crime
Video shows moments two men shot and killed by Mehdi Medellel during an argument at JJ Fish & Chicken in Chicago
The situation escalated, leading to the employee pulling out a gun and fatally shooting both men in the head.
UPDATE: Mehdi Medellel, 42, has been identified as the suspect in the double homicide. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Wednesday at 26th and California.
Chicago, Illinois (October 10, 2024) – A tragic incident occurred on Monday night at a fast-food restaurant on the South Side of Chicago, resulting in the deaths of two men.
According to police, the incident took place around 10:30 PM inside the restaurant located in the 7800 block of South Western Avenue.
Two men, aged 55 and 56, became involved in an argument with an employee.
The situation escalated, leading to the employee pulling out a gun and fatally shooting both men in the head.
Emergency services responded to the scene, but both victims were pronounced dead at the location. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released the identities of the deceased.
The Chicago Police Department’s Area One detectives are actively investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made at this time.
The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing.
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.