Crime
Mother and her infant daughter killed in officer-involved shooting at Oval Spring Apartments in Independence
When police arrived, they encountered a woman reportedly holding a knife.
The family of a woman and her 4-month-old infant girl has confirmed that both were killed by police during an incident at the Oval Spring Apartments in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday afternoon.
Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman held a press conference Friday, confirming the fatal incident and calling it an “officer-involved shooting.
The incident unfolded near Larkspur Lane and M-291 Frontage Road when officers responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance with a potential assault.
When police arrived, they encountered a woman reportedly holding a knife.
According to the police, officers opened fire, resulting in the deaths of the woman and her infant daughter.
Chief Dustman did not specify the cause of death but did confirm that one officer discharged their weapon.
This officer, along with two other responding officers, has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard practice during such investigations.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has stated that it is closely monitoring the independent investigation into the matter, handled by the Police Involved Investigation Team.
Dustman refrained from releasing the identities of the victims or additional details, and he would not confirm the child’s age. However, family members informed the public about the victims’ identities, noting the tragic loss of both mother and child.
Carrie Lufkin, property manager at Oval Spring Apartments, reported that the situation initially began as a domestic violence issue.
She confirmed that both the woman and her child died during the incident, though no officers were injured.
Chief Dustman emphasized that officers acted according to their training and protocol for handling a domestic disturbance involving a weapon.
In his statements, Chief Dustman also urged the community to take measures to protect children from violence and to report any warning signs of potential harm, stressing the importance of safely securing firearms in the home.
He acknowledged the incident’s profound impact on the community and extended condolences to the victims’ family.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the Independence Police Department is coordinating with Jackson County’s independent review team.
The police department and prosecutor’s office have assured the public that they will follow every measure to ensure a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the 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.