Crime
Daveyonne Howard Sentenced to 40 Years for Murder of 11-Year-Old Darius “DJ” Dugas
Daveyonne Howard, a 22-year-old Houston man, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the tragic 2022 shooting death of 11-year-old Darius “DJ” Dugas, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
The incident occurred on February 3, 2022, during a severe winter storm at an apartment complex in northeast Harris County. DJ had gone to his family’s car to retrieve his jacket when Howard, who was breaking into another vehicle nearby, was confronted by the car’s owner. In a panic, Howard opened fire, aiming at the car owner. Tragically, DJ was struck in the chest by one of the bullets.
Emergency responders rushed DJ to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Days later, Howard was apprehended and charged with murder. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to the charges.
During a punishment hearing, Howard was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Under Texas law, he will be required to serve at least 20 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
“DJ’s life was stolen in a senseless act of violence, and today justice was served for his family,” said District Attorney Kim Ogg.
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.