Crime
Brian Young killed after shooting in the parking lot of Lakeview Mall in Boone County

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one individual, identified as Brian Young, died following a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of Lakeview Mall on Thursday night.
Captain Brian Leer stated that the altercation stemmed from a disagreement inside Jake’s Bar and Grill, located near the mall. The disagreement escalated and culminated in the fatal shooting in the parking lot.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene before 9:50 p.m., and the victim was transported to a hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether any suspects are currently in custody.
Law enforcement officers established a large crime scene in the mall’s parking lot, located in the 5600 block of Clark Lane.
Crime scene tape cordoned off a significant portion of the area as investigators combed through the site with flashlights.
A visible law enforcement presence included Boone County deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers, Columbia police officers, and Boone County firefighters. Witnesses reported that patrons inside Jake’s Bar and Grill were instructed to remain indoors while the investigation was underway.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., patrons were still present at the bar as investigators worked outside. By 10:34 p.m., deputies began removing crime scene tape, and several evidence boxes were loaded into the back of a patrol vehicle.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with information regarding the events leading up to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
Further details, including potential suspects and a motive, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
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.