Crime
19-Year-Old Jarell Hodges Charged with Felony Murder Following Death of 18-Year-Old Keandre Simmons in Tuscaloosa Shooting
A 19-year-old man has been formally charged with felony murder following a deadly shooting in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday afternoon that left one person dead and two others injured.
The suspect, identified as Jarell Hodges, is accused in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Keandre Simmons, according to Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (VCU).
The shooting took place around 4 p.m. on Beech Street in Tuscaloosa, where three individuals were shot.
Tragically, Simmons succumbed to his injuries, while the other two victims continue to receive medical treatment.
Investigators from the VCU have located and are interviewing multiple witnesses, as well as others present at the scene during the incident.
Kennedy confirmed that all individuals believed to be involved in the shooting are currently in custody, and additional charges are pending as the investigation progresses.
The case remains active, and authorities will provide further details once the investigation is complete.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could aid in the case is urged to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at 205-464-8690.
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.