Crime
22-year-old Jessinya Mina shot and killed by a toddler in Fresno apartment
Homicide detectives are currently working to determine whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
Authorities are investigating the death of a woman following a shooting at an apartment complex in Fresno on Friday evening.
According to the Fresno Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 5200 block of North Fresno Street shortly before 5:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, they found a woman in her 20s, identified as Jessinya Mina, near the entrance of the apartment complex with a gunshot wound.
Initial 911 dispatch audio suggested that a toddler may have accidentally discharged the firearm, but this detail has not been confirmed by police.
Officers immediately administered first aid, and the woman was transported to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred inside one of the apartments within the complex. They also noted the presence of a vehicle near the entrance, which may have been used to transport the woman to the hospital.
Homicide detectives are currently working to determine whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
The scene remains cordoned off as the investigation continues.
Fresno Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses can contact the department directly or provide anonymous tips through local crime reporting channels.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and further details will be released 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.