Crime
33-year-old Shelby Cody found shot dead in northeast Austin
The motive for the killing remains unknown, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
Austin Police are investigating the homicide of 33-year-old Shelby Wayne Cody, whose body was discovered with gunshot wounds near the intersection of U.S. 290 and Calidad Drive on Thursday, November 7th.
Police believe Cody was shot at the scene and later transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The motive for the killing remains unknown, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or Capital Area Crime Stoppers.
A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Shelby proudly served his country in Afghanistan as a member of the United States Army, where he earned the distinguished Combat Infantry Badge, along with other honors for his bravery and dedication.
Shelby’s legacy lives on through his loving family and friends.
He is survived by his father, Charles Cody, and stepmother, Joanne; his mother, Beverly Witcher, and stepfather, Shane; and his beloved older sister, Kelly “Jelly” Goertz, along with her husband, Clint, and their son, Ike.
His family also includes his older brother, Clayton Cody, and Clayton’s fiancée, Tina Schulte, as well as his stepsisters, Heather Rupert and Lauren Konarek, and stepbrothers, Wesley Harkins and Gunnar Witcher.
Shelby was deeply devoted to his girlfriend, Katie Wolf. Their love was evident to all who knew them, as they were inseparable and cherished every moment together.
His memory will be forever held close by his family, friends, and loved ones, who will remember his courage, kindness, and the joy he brought to their lives.
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.