Crime
Victim killed in Baltimore County mass shooting identified as 26-year-old Charles Graham Jr
The remaining nine victims were transported to area trauma centers, with most suffering from gunshot wounds.
At a press conference held today, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert O. McCullough provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the mass shooting that occurred Tuesday evening in Towson.
Preliminary findings indicate that all of the known victims were traveling together in a vehicle that crashed at the scene of the incident.
Chief McCullough confirmed that one victim has been released from the hospital.
Investigators continue to believe this was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Victims Identified
Deceased Victim:
- Charles Graham Jr., 26-year-old male
Victims with Gunshot Wounds:
- 27-year-old male
- Two 18-year-old males
- 17-year-old male
- 16-year-old male
- 14-year-old male
- 15-year-old female
- 17-year-old female
Injured Victim (Non-Gunshot Wound):
- 24-year-old male
The shooting occurred around 7:15 p.m. in the 8500 block of Loch Raven Boulevard, Towson, 21286. Officers from the Towson Precinct responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located ten individuals with injuries.
One victim, Charles Graham Jr., was pronounced deceased at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.
The remaining nine victims were transported to area trauma centers, with most suffering from gunshot wounds.
Detectives are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Evidence collection and interviews are ongoing, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Baltimore County Police urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward by contacting the department at 410-887-4636 (INFO).
Information may also be submitted anonymously through Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-2587 (7LOCKUP). Tips provided by phone or online through Metro Crime Stoppers may qualify for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to assist in the investigation. Anonymous tips through Metro Crime Stoppers could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest or resolution of this case.
Baltimore County Police remain committed to pursuing every lead to bring closure to the victims and their families in the wake of this tragic event.
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.