Crime
Murder-Suicide: Teens killed in Tonto Basin shooting after fight identified
Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol was a factor in the incident.
A second teenager has died following a tragic shooting in a remote area near Tonto Basin, Northern Arizona, over the weekend.
The victims have been identified as 15-year-old Easton Proffitt, a sophomore at Perry High School in Gilbert, and 15-year-old Colten Boyle, who resided near Payson.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office reported that a group of seven individuals, aged 15 to 20, was gathered at a home approximately 12 miles east of Tonto Basin on Saturday night. Authorities stated that all but one member of the group had been drinking.
At around 11 p.m., an altercation reportedly escalated, during which a 15-year-old shot another 15-year-old before turning the gun on himself. Both boys suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
One teen was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a trauma center in Phoenix. Despite medical efforts, the second teen succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon, according to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit is actively working to determine the events leading up to the shooting. At this time, it remains unclear which boy was the shooter and which was the victim.
Authorities revealed that one individual in the group was from the Phoenix metropolitan area, while the rest were residents of the Payson and Tonto Basin region.
The shooting occurred in a secluded area approximately an hour and a half northeast of Phoenix. The tragedy has left the community grappling with grief as questions linger about what transpired.
Statement sent to Perry High School families on Monday:
Dear Perry Pumas,
The administration, faculty and staff of Perry High School regret to inform you of the death of one of our 10th grade students, Easton Proffitt. As a community, we are grieving Easton’s death. Traumatic events can be difficult and, like adults, youth express emotions by grieving. Yet, youth may not demonstrate grief in the same manner as adults. The following information is provided for parents, guardians, and others who may find themselves in a position of guiding a youth through the grieving process. In addition, if your student needs extra assistance, the district’s crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available to provide services.
Please know that our district crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available now and throughout the year to help those who need assistance. Please contact us at (480) 224-2800 to be connected with a member of the counseling team.
Our thoughts go out to the Proffitt family during this difficult time of loss and grief, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Heather Patterson
Principal
Perry High School
Further information has not been released as the investigation continues.
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.