Crime
17-year-old arrested in connection to fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jamar Hamilton at Speedy Gas Station in Baden
A 17-year-old male has been taken into custody and is now facing multiple charges related to a fatal shooting that occurred in the Baden neighborhood of St. Louis.
Incident Overview:
On November 12, shortly before 1:40 a.m., St. Louis police responded to reports of gunfire at the Speedy Gas Station located in the 8800 block of North Broadway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim, later identified as 15-year-old Jamar Hamilton of Glasgow Village, lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Preliminary Investigation:
Authorities believe that Hamilton was with a group of individuals when an exchange of gunfire occurred between them and occupants of another vehicle.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter.
Arrest and Charges:
The 17-year-old suspect was initially taken into custody on November 12 for an unrelated offense and was held in juvenile detention.
On November 15, St. Louis Homicide Detectives collaborated with attorneys from the Juvenile Court to apply charges against him. The charges include:
- First-Degree Murder
- First-Degree Assault
- Armed Criminal Action
- First-Degree Tampering
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Call for Information:
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Those with details about the incident can contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371.
For anonymous tips and potential reward eligibility, individuals can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Only tips submitted through CrimeStoppers are eligible for rewards.
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.