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Male and female found shot to death in southwest Birmingham

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The Birmingham Police Department has launched a double homicide investigation following a tragic incident that took place late on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Authorities are withholding the names of the victims pending notification of their next of kin.

Around 10:29 p.m., officers from the West Precinct responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle that had come to a stop on the sidewalk along the 1300 Block of Princeton Avenue Southwest.

The vehicle, which had visible bullet holes, was seen by a passerby slowly rolling backward before it eventually halted in front of an abandoned residence.

Observing the bullet-riddled car, the witness immediately alerted 911 Emergency Services.

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Upon arrival, officers discovered a male and female inside the vehicle, both unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced both individuals deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the shooting occurred before the vehicle came to a stop on the sidewalk.

However, further details remain limited as detectives work to uncover more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Currently, there are no suspects in custody, and police have not yet provided information on potential motives or suspects.

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This tragic incident marks Birmingham’s 125th and 126th homicide investigations for the year 2024, with an additional 11 cases classified as justifiable deaths.

The Birmingham Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward.

Those who may have details that could assist in the investigation are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.


Crime

Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia

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Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia 1300 block of Walnut Street

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.

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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.”

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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.


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