Crime
26-year-old Erykah Tate killed after shooting in Fairfield neighborhood
No arrests have been made as of this time.
UPDATE: The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 28-year-old Shazaria Williams in connection with the recent shooting incident.
Williams is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond and faces formal charges related to the case.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the charges or circumstances surrounding the arrest.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a woman late Monday afternoon in a Fairfield neighborhood.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 26-year-old Erykah Nameke Tate, a Fairfield resident.
Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a person shot at approximately 4:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Forest Drive, located in the Forest Hills community.
Upon arrival, emergency responders from Fairfield Fire and Rescue pronounced Tate deceased at the scene by 4:56 p.m.. It remains unclear whether the shooting occurred inside a residence or outside.
Authorities have not yet disclosed any details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigators remained on-site for several hours following the incident, combing the area for evidence.
No arrests have been made as of this time.
Tate’s death marks the second homicide investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office since Saturday, following the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old in the Center Point area over the weekend.
This incident contributes to the 185 homicides reported in Jefferson County this year, underscoring a troubling trend of violence in the area.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tips can be provided anonymously.
The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided 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.