Crime
69-year-old Lacey Cole Jr charged in shooting death of 71-year-old William Pressley in Robeson County
A Fairmont man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his brother, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday.
Lacey Cole Jr., 69, faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear.
He is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.
The incident occurred on Monday morning. Deputies responded to reports of a shooting around 10:50 a.m. in the 1400 block of Williamson Road.
Upon arrival, they discovered 71-year-old William Pressley, also of Fairmont, deceased at the scene.
Investigators have not disclosed further details about the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3170.
The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as new information becomes 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.