Crime
18-year-old Corbin Cornett killed in shooting south of downtown Fort Wayne
The coroner officially ruled his death a homicide, marking the 38th homicide in Allen County this year.
The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) has confirmed a fatal shooting incident that occurred just after midnight on Saturday, November 9, near the area of Huestis Avenue and Broadway.
Officers responded to reports of a possible shooting victim and, upon arrival, discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Tuesday, the Allen County Coroner identified the deceased as 18-year-old Corbin Scott Cornett, a resident of Fort Wayne.
The coroner officially ruled his death a homicide, marking the 38th homicide in Allen County this year.
At this time, information surrounding the incident is limited. Investigators are actively working with witnesses in hopes of uncovering further details that could shed light on the circumstances of the shooting.
The FWPD encourages anyone with information about this case to come forward. Tips can be provided by calling the Fort Wayne Police Department at 260-427-1201 or reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 260-436-7867.
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.