Crime
22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas killed in shooting on Troy Drive in Madison
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on December 5 in the 1500 block of Troy Drive in Madison.
The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas, a resident of Madison. Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals, with charges varying based on their alleged roles in the crime:
- Denarian M. Ward, 17, was taken into custody without incident on Monday evening. He faces charges of felony murder (party to a crime) and robbery. He is currently being held at the Dane County Jail.
- A 16-year-old boy, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, is also facing charges of felony murder (party to a crime), first-degree reckless homicide, and robbery.
- Denivea L. Ward, 19, was arrested on charges of harboring or aiding a felon and for a probation hold. He was also taken into custody Monday evening without incident and is being held at the Dane County Jail.
The Madison Police Department confirmed that two teenage individuals who were injured during the incident are now in custody as part of the investigation.
The case is being led by the department’s Violent Crime Unit, which continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional details, including the motives and events leading up to the crime, have not been released at this time.
Authorities urge anyone with further information about this incident to contact the Madison Police Department.
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.