Crime
Student identified as Steven Jones shot at Central High School in Memphis
A shooting occurred outside Central High School in Midtown Memphis on Monday afternoon, leaving one juvenile critically injured.
The victim, identified as Steven Jones, was found in a parking lot when police responded at 2:44 p.m.
He was transported to Regional One Health, where he remains in critical condition.
Authorities describe the incident as a “targeted” altercation between the suspect and the victim, who are believed to have known each other.
A school board member confirmed that the shooting took place in the football field parking lot.
During the incident, Jones was grazed by a bullet, but the injury became critical due to complications from the exit wound.
The suspect, reportedly a student, fled the scene but was apprehended near Bellevue Middle School shortly afterward.
Police have not yet filed charges and are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Towanna Murphy, a District 7 representative on the Memphis Shelby County Schools board, issued a statement addressing the tragedy:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting that occurred earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims. We strongly advocate for comprehensive legislation to address gun control and ensure the safety of our students.”
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about school safety and the urgent need for measures to prevent gun violence.
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.