Crime
44-year-old Rahman Loyal killed after shooting near West Side Park in Newark

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a thorough investigation into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Newark resident on Saturday evening, near West Side Park.
Authorities report that around 7:00 p.m., residents in the 600 block of South 13th Street called 911 after hearing a series of gunshots near their homes, located across from the park.
Newark police officers responded promptly to the scene, where they discovered 44-year-old Rahman Loyal, a Newark resident, lying lifeless with multiple gunshot wounds.
Preliminary findings suggest that the shooter fired several rounds before quickly fleeing the scene.
The immediate area was cordoned off as detectives conducted a meticulous search for evidence, carefully examining the scene and speaking with any witnesses who may have observed the incident or have relevant information.
At this stage, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is actively pursuing leads and working to identify the person responsible.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that all information will be handled with discretion as they work to bring justice in this ongoing 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.