Crime
23-year-old Laurion Magee killed, four wounded in Walthall County shooting
A tragic shooting in the Sandy Hook community, located just over the Marion County line in Walthall County, Mississippi, left one person dead and three others injured early Sunday morning.
According to Walthall County Sheriff Kyle Breland, deputies responded to reports of gunfire shortly after midnight.
Upon arrival, they discovered at least three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim, identified as 23-year-old Laurion Magee, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been sent to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
Two additional gunshot victims were transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have not released information regarding the severity of their injuries.
A fourth individual also required hospitalization, although it remains unclear whether their injuries were related to gunfire.
The incident occurred during a “large social gathering” in the Sandy Hook area.
Sheriff’s deputies and investigators have been actively processing the crime scene, with investigators working to piece together the events leading up to the violence.
Chief Investigator Justin Dyar emphasized the need for cooperation from those who attended the gathering, stating:
“We know there were a lot of people present at the event. If anyone has photographs, videos, or any information about what happened, we urge them to come forward.”
Authorities are calling on witnesses or anyone with evidence from the gathering to contact the Walthall County Sheriff’s Office at (601)-876-3482. Additionally, a reward through Crimestoppers is pending for tips that lead to arrests or further clarity in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement working tirelessly to ensure justice for the victims and answers for their families.
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.