Crime
29-year-old Kali Lynch-Roberts killed in Highland shooting
Shreveport, Louisiana – A tragic shooting early Sunday morning, November 17, has left one person dead and another in custody.
Incident Overview
At approximately 12:23 a.m., Shreveport Police Department (SPD) officers responded to a reported shooting in the 100 block of East Herndon Street.
Upon arrival, officers detained an alleged suspect who was still present at the scene. Inside the residence, they discovered a victim suffering from critical injuries.
Emergency Response
Officers performed CPR on the victim while awaiting the Shreveport Fire Department (SFD).
Firefighters arrived shortly after and attempted additional life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:55 a.m.
Victim Identified
Later in the morning, at 11:16 a.m., the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 29-year-old Kali Lynch-Roberts.
Investigation and Arrest
Police confirmed that a handgun was used in the fatal shooting. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
They were transported to Shreveport City Jail following their detention.
Community Impact
The death of Kali Lynch-Roberts marks the 47th homicide in Caddo Parish in 2024 and the 44th within Shreveport city limits, underscoring ongoing concerns about violence in the region.
This incident remains under active investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Shreveport Police Department or Crime Stoppers to aid in the inquiry.
Further details will be released as they become available.
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.