Crime
56-year-old Glenn Litton identified as suspect who shot 2 students at Feather River School of Seventh Day Adventists in Palermo
Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for injuring two young children during a shooting at a small private school in Oroville, California, on Wednesday. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) confirmed that the suspect, 56-year-old Glenn Litton, was found deceased on the school grounds from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The victims, two kindergarten boys aged five and six, are in critical but stable condition as they continue to receive care at a regional hospital. Sheriff Kory Honea provided updates on their conditions during a press briefing Thursday afternoon.
The six-year-old, identified as Roman Mendez, sustained two gunshot wounds, resulting in significant internal injuries. The five-year-old victim, Elias Wolford, was struck once in the abdomen, also causing severe internal damage.
“These children have a long road to recovery,” said Sheriff Honea. “The fact that they are still with us is a miracle and something we should all be thankful for. We must keep the victims at the forefront of our minds as this investigation unfolds—they are the ones who matter most in this tragic event.”
The BCSO stated that investigators are working to determine a motive for the attack. Sheriff Honea revealed that Litton had an extensive criminal history and was known to struggle with mental health issues. He was described as being homeless, primarily moving between the Chico and Sacramento areas.
Litton’s attack on the Feather River Adventist School, which has fewer than three dozen students, sent shockwaves through the community. The incident occurred on campus during school hours, leaving parents, students, and staff traumatized.
Following the shooting, law enforcement swiftly secured the area, and students were evacuated to a nearby church for reunification with their families. The community is now rallying to support the victims and their families as they face a long and difficult recovery.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to focus on supporting the affected families during this time of immense sorrow.
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.