Crime
Megan Valentine arrested and charged for the murder of Edward County Judge Michael Valentine
His wife, 44-year-old Megan S. Valentine, was present at the scene and was immediately taken into custody.
On Election Day, a tragic incident unfolded in southern Illinois as a judge was discovered fatally shot outside his home, leading to the arrest and subsequent charging of his wife.
Illinois State Police reported that deputies from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
The call directed them to a residence on the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion.
Upon arrival, officers found Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine lying deceased outside his home, the victim of a gunshot wound.
His wife, 44-year-old Megan S. Valentine, was present at the scene and was immediately taken into custody.
Given the nature of the case, the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Illinois State Police lead the investigation.
By Thursday, the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office had filed several charges against Megan Valentine, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery.
Megan Valentine is currently being held in the White County Jail, with her first court appearance scheduled for Friday morning.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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.