Crime
26-year-old Tamir Davis and Darius Blalock killed after shooting in Cecil County
Two additional victims are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.
Maryland State Police are conducting an in-depth investigation into a tragic shooting early this morning in Cecil County that left two individuals dead and two others injured.
Victims have been identified as 26-year-old Tamir Rasheek Davis and Darius Anthony Blalock.
Davis was transported to Christianna Hospital, where hospital staff later pronounced him dead.
The other deceased individual has not yet been positively identified, and authorities are awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause and manner of death for both victims.
Two additional victims are currently receiving medical treatment at local hospitals; one is being treated at Union Hospital in Elkton, while the other remains at Christianna Hospital.
Their identities are being kept confidential as the investigation continues.
Troopers from the North East Barrack responded to the incident shortly after 6:00 a.m. following a report of a man lying in the roadway.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit arrived on the scene and are leading the investigation.
Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any information related to the case to contact the Maryland State Police at the North East Barrack at 410-996-7800. Callers can remain anonymous if they choose.
Assistance in this ongoing investigation is also being provided by the Criminal Enforcement Division, Northern Region.
The investigation remains active as police work to uncover further details surrounding this incident.
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.