Crime
Yesenia Mendez charged with arson in connection with fire that killed Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia
Yesenia Mendez, 38, has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with a fire that tragically claimed the life of Houston Fire Department Firefighter Marcelo “Ox” Garcia III on November 6, 2024.
Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, Mendez was apprehended by Houston Police Department officers with the support of Precinct 6 officers earlier today.
Authorities report that Mendez is believed to have deliberately ignited the fire at 6536 Supply Row, where Firefighter Garcia was killed in the line of duty after a wall collapsed during the intense 3-alarm blaze.
Over 100 firefighters responded to the incident, which HFD Arson Bureau investigators have since determined was intentionally set.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office are actively contributing to this ongoing investigation.
In a statement, Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz expressed appreciation for the collaboration of local and federal agencies, including HFD Arson, Houston Police Department, and METRO Police, which has been crucial in bringing forth the charges.
“This charge is a critical first step in a long journey of healing for the firefighters of Houston,” Chief Muñoz remarked, underscoring the profound impact of Garcia’s death on the fire department and the community. Funeral arrangements for Firefighter Marcelo Garcia are forthcoming as the Houston Fire Department and Garcia’s family, friends, and colleagues mourn his loss.
The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Garcia and his family during this challenging time.
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.