Crime
19-year-old Carlos Perez killed in AutoZone shooting, suspect William Aguilar in custody
Aguilar is currently being held at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Jail with bond set at $750,000.
Montgomery County, TX – A tragic shooting unfolded on Saturday morning at an AutoZone in Montgomery County, resulting in the death of a 19-year-old employee.
Authorities have arrested and charged 19-year-old William Gabriel Aguilar with first-degree murder in connection with the incident.
The shooting occurred at approximately 9:50 a.m. at the AutoZone located in the 28800 block of Birnham Woods Drive.
According to investigators, Aguilar entered the store and fatally shot an employee, later identified as 19-year-old Carlos Perez. Reports indicate that Perez was shot multiple times, and responding constables found him deceased inside the store.
Authorities confirmed that no customers were inside the store at the time of the incident, although one individual was present in the parking lot when the shooting took place.
Aguilar fled the scene on foot, running through nearby fences and residential streets before being apprehended a short distance away without further incident.
The violence occurred near a daycare center, which was closed at the time, and the World Champion Center, a nearby gymnastics facility that was crowded with children practicing.
Constables expressed relief that no additional injuries occurred but emphasized the devastating nature of the crime. A chaplain from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was present to provide counseling to AutoZone employees affected by the tragedy.
Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable Captain Adam Acosta expressed deep sorrow over the incident, especially given the timing during the holiday season.
“Christmas time is about family. It’s about trying to be together and celebrate, and when something like this happens, it’s very upsetting,” Captain Acosta stated.
South Montgomery County Fire and Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD) personnel responded to the scene. Perez’s body has been transported to the Montgomery County Forensic Center for an autopsy.
Precinct 3 detectives, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit and the District Attorney’s Office, are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Aguilar is currently being held at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Jail with bond set at $750,000.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office or the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.
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.