Crime
21-year-old Daziana Lewis killed in deputy-involved shooting in Greenville County
Authorities in Greenville County are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early Saturday morning, claiming the life of a 21-year-old woman.
According to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded at approximately 2:15 a.m. when dispatch received a 911 call regarding threats made by an individual at Kmart Plaza.
A deputy responded to the scene and encountered a woman, later identified as Daziana Natasha Kian’te Lewis.
Officials reported that a verbal altercation ensued between the deputy and Lewis.
During the argument, Lewis allegedly brandished a knife and threatened the deputy, prompting the officer to discharge their weapon.
Lewis sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Despite efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed her cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds and ruled it a homicide.
Following standard protocol, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been requested to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.
The deputies involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
SLED has confirmed that this marks the sixth officer-involved shooting in Greenville County this year.
The agency is working to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, including reviewing body camera footage and interviewing witnesses.
The Sheriff’s Office released a statement expressing condolences for the loss of life while emphasizing their commitment to full transparency during the investigative process.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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.