Crime
47-year-old Christopher Waggett shot and killed during domestic incident in Butler
Williams now faces one count of criminal homicide, with bail set at $2 million.
A man is in custody after a fatal shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, stemming from a dispute on Tuesday night.
According to Butler City Police, the incident involved a confrontation between Sean Williams, 37, and Christopher Waggett, 47, both local residents.
The events unfolded during a gathering at a residence in the 200 block of American Avenue.
Witnesses reported that tensions escalated when a comment upset the mother of Williams’ girlfriend, prompting Waggett to intervene and restrain her.
This led to a physical altercation between Waggett and Williams. During the struggle, Waggett either struck a bottle over Williams’ head or knocked it out of his hand, according to witness statements.
Williams reportedly responded by drawing a firearm and shooting Waggett in the upper body.
Emergency crews quickly arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but Waggett ultimately succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Following the shooting, Williams fled and attempted to hide near his residence on West New Castle Street but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
He was taken into custody and transported to Butler County Prison.
Williams now faces one count of criminal homicide, with bail set at $2 million.
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.