Crime
27-Year-Old Gabriel Gomez-Fiorenza Arrested for Fatal Shooting of Girlfriend Amy Armstrong in Brewers Hill Luxury Apartment Complex
UPDATE: In reference to the homicide that occurred in the Southeast District on October 28, 2024, investigators have arrested 27-year-old Gabriel Gomez-Fiorenza.
Investigators quickly learned that the suspect shot and killed 28-year-old Amy Armstrong, inside their apartment in the 3700 block of Toone Street, following a domestic related dispute.
The suspect was arrested in Baltimore County by County Police without incident.
Gabriel Gomez-Fiorenza was transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility where he was charged with first and second degree murder and first and second degree aggravated assault.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
On October 28, 2024, at approximately 3:44 a.m., Southeast District patrol officers responded to a home in the 3700 block of Toone Street for a report of a shooting.
Once there, officers located a 28-year-old female suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Medics responded to the location and pronounced the victim dead on the scene.
Homicide Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-396-2422 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.
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.