Crime
32-year-old Shondale Kellumn killed following parking lot shooting in Kalamazoo
The second victim, a 33-year-old resident of Kalamazoo, sustained injuries that are not life-threatening and has since received medical treatment.
On the evening of November 9, 2024, at around 10:25 p.m., officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to reports of gunfire in the 1300 block of Portage Street.
Upon arrival, they confirmed that a shooting had taken place in the parking lot of a nearby business.
Shortly afterward, two individuals arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds.
Tragically, one of the victims, identified as 32-year-old Shondale Devon Kellumn, a Kalamazoo resident, succumbed to his injuries.
Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Kellumn’s family, friends, and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.
The second victim, a 33-year-old resident of Kalamazoo, sustained injuries that are not life-threatening and has since received medical treatment.
The KDPS is actively investigating several leads related to this incident. Initial findings suggest there is no immediate or ongoing threat to the general public.
However, authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident or any related criminal activity to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, via the “P3Tips” app, or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.
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.