Crime
Two Dead, Three Injured after shooting near Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis
A deadly shooting in St. Louis’ Columbus Square neighborhood Sunday night claimed the lives of two individuals and injured three others, marking a grim scene just across from the Dome at America’s Center.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported that officers responded to the 700 block of Carr Street around 10 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered a man who had died at the scene.
A second victim later succumbed to injuries sustained in the shooting, as confirmed in a press conference on Monday by police spokesperson Mitch McCoy.
Three other individuals were struck by gunfire.
One remains in critical condition, while the other two sustained less severe injuries, including one being grazed and another shot in the foot.
The crime scene spanned a large area, with investigators recovering “dozens and dozens” of shell casings, all sent to the department’s crime lab for analysis.
Police believe the violence stemmed from an argument that escalated just before the gunfire erupted.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Division has taken over the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
One of the two victims has been identified as Damon Lawson, authorities have confirmed.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.
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.