Crime
8-year-old Marquez Deputee Ontiveros killed in Lame Deer drive-by shooting
UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting death of 8-year-old Marquez Amias Dion Deputee Ontiveros on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, pleaded guilty to the shooting in tribal court and was sentenced to four years and nine months in jail and a $23,000 fine. It remains unclear whether federal charges will be pursued.
The shooting occurred on the west side of Lame Deer. Following the incident, tribal leadership imposed a 9 PM curfew to ensure public safety while the suspect remained at large.
The community is mourning the loss of the young boy and grappling with the ongoing issue of violence on the reservation.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A young eight-year-old boy, Marquez Deputee Ontiveros, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents mourning the loss of a young life.
The Northern Cheyenne Tribe is grappling with this senseless tragedy, with many expressing deep sorrow and anger. Tribal council members are working to address the growing issue of violence on the reservation.
The FBI is investigating the shooting, and a curfew has been imposed to aid in the search for the suspect.
The tribe is urging community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services.
The tragic loss of Marquez highlights the urgent need for increased law enforcement presence and resources on the reservation.
With only three officers on duty at a time, the challenge of patrolling the vast 440,000-acre area is significant.
The community is coming together to support the grieving family and address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence.
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.