Crime
Victims and suspected gunman killed in south Wichita shootings identified
At Joshua’s feet, officers located a firearm. Joshua’s injury appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Wichita, KS – On November 10, 2024, at 5:45 pm, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a call from two individuals reporting that they had found a man with gunshot wounds in a residence located in the 1700 block of S. Santa Fe.
Wichita Police and the Wichita Fire Department responded to the call.
Upon entering the residence, officers discovered 67-year-old Anthony Stickney, who resided at that address.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene by personnel from the Wichita Fire Department.
While conducting the investigation into this shooting, officers learned from the original calling party that the last person at this residence was likely Anthony’s son, 42-year-old Joshua Stickney, who lived in a residence located at 1900 S Laura.
Officers responded to that location to locate Joshua.
When officers arrived, they could see two people inside the residence who were not moving or responding when officers knocked on the door. At 7:05 pm, officers forced entry into the residence on Laura and located three males suffering gunshot wounds.
These males were identified as Joshua, 66-year-old Donald Dodge, and 55-year-old Terry Meyer. Donald is a friend and neighbor of Joshua; Terry is Joshua’s live-in Stepfather.
At Joshua’s feet, officers located a firearm. Joshua’s injury appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Joshua, Donald, and Terry were pronounced deceased by Sedgwick County EMS. These shootings were documented under WPD case number 24C200384.
While attempting to locate someone to care for Joshua’s pet, officers were instructed to contact a neighbor at another residence on Laura.
That neighbor was 39-year-old Alan Young. Officers went to Alan’s residence and saw him inside, unresponsive.
Officers forced entry into the residence and located Alan suffering from gunshot wounds.
Alan was pronounced deceased by the Wichita Fire Department.
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.