Crime
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killer’s backpack found in Central Park
NYPD investigators have recovered a backpack in Central Park that may have belonged to the suspect who fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this week.
The discovery was made in the area south of the Central Park carousel, near the Ramsey Playground, according to law enforcement sources.
The backpack, described as “very distinctive,” matches the gray bag seen on the suspect during the shooting. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny emphasized its unique features during a press briefing on Friday.
“It is huge and gray,” Kenny stated, noting its potential significance in identifying the gunman.
Police sources indicated that the backpack was not opened at the scene. Instead, it was secured and sent directly to the lab for forensic analysis.
Investigators are hopeful that the contents of the bag may provide critical evidence in the ongoing investigation, such as physical traces or materials that could link the suspect to the crime.
Authorities are continuing to piece together the events surrounding the targeted shooting of Thompson, which occurred outside the New York Hilton Midtown earlier this week. The gunman, who fled the scene, remains at large.
Police are urging anyone with additional information about the backpack or the suspect to contact law enforcement immediately.
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.