Crime
20-year-old Matthew Escalante killed after shooting in east Austin
The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating a homicide that occurred in East Austin last week, involving the death of 20-year-old Matthew Escalante.
Officers initially responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 2600 block of Rosewood Avenue at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7.
Upon arriving, officers found Escalante suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital but, despite medical efforts, he passed away on November 8.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Escalante had gone to meet someone when he was suddenly ambushed and shot by an unidentified suspect.
The shooter then fled the scene, accompanied by additional suspects, according to APD.
This incident has been classified as Austin’s 58th homicide of 2024.
Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the suspects or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward to aid in their ongoing investigation.
The APD requests that individuals with potential leads contact them directly at 512-974-TIPS.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, either by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.
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.