Crime
21-year-old Heaven Hope killed in Champaign shooting
The male was unharmed during the incident.
A tragic shooting in Champaign on Monday evening claimed the life of 21-year-old Heaven Hope. According to the Champaign Police Department, the incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on West Springfield Avenue near the intersection with Kenwood Road.
Police officers responded to a report of gunfire and discovered Hope at the scene, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
First responders from the Champaign Police and Fire Departments provided immediate medical assistance, but despite their efforts, Hope was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Hope and an unidentified male companion were entering a nearby business when gunfire erupted.
The male was unharmed during the incident.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the suspect fled the area before authorities arrived.
Law enforcement officers are actively canvassing the area, seeking witnesses and reviewing security camera footage to piece together the events leading to the fatal shooting. As of Tuesday morning, no arrests have been made.
The Champaign Police Department is urging anyone with information, video evidence, or eyewitness accounts to come forward. Individuals can contact the department directly at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can be made to receive information discreetly.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Champaign County Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477, visiting their website, or using the P3 Tips app. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest in this homicide case.
Authorities continue to investigate, seeking justice for Heaven Hope and answers for her loved ones.
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.