Crime
Christopher Marquees arrested and charged with the murder of 15-year-old Maquan Sam in Ville Platte
Marquees is currently being held on a $75,000 bond.
A tragic shooting incident occurred early Thursday morning in Ville Platte, Louisiana, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old Maquan Sam.
Christopher Marquees, 31, has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide in connection with the shooting.
Ville Platte Police responded to a call about the incident at a residence on N. Morein Street.
Upon arrival, they found the teenage victim deceased.
Marquees is currently being held on a $75,000 bond.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316.
Ville Platte High School has shared a heartfelt tribute, mourning the loss of their beloved student, Maquan Sam. Known affectionately as “Quan,” Maquan brought joy to the campus with his radiant smile and warm heart, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. As we navigate this challenging time, we find comfort in his spirit, the friendships he formed, and the memories he leaves behind. Our deepest condolences go out to Maquan’s family, friends, and everyone touched by this loss. He will be dearly missed, forever loved, and always remembered in our hearts. Long Live Quan.
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.