Crime
Lexington Richmond road baptist Church Shooter identified as Guy House
LEXINGTON, KY – July 13, 2025 – A violent incident that unfolded Sunday morning in Lexington has left at least three people dead, including the suspect, and several others injured following a shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church.
Among the injured is a Kentucky State Trooper who was shot earlier in the day during a confrontation with the suspect, now identified as Guy House.
According to the Kentucky State Police (KSP), the initial encounter occurred at approximately 11:36 a.m. in Fayette County, when House allegedly opened fire on a trooper during an attempted apprehension.
The trooper sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical care.
Following the initial shooting, House fled the scene and later arrived at Richmond Road Baptist Church, where he reportedly opened fire again, resulting in multiple civilian casualties.
Emergency Medical Services responded quickly and provided immediate aid to the victims. Several individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their identities and current conditions have not yet been released.
Lexington Police Department and KSP officers converged on the church and successfully secured the scene. The suspect, Guy House, was pronounced deceased at the location. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether his death was self-inflicted or the result of police engagement.
In a joint statement, Lexington Police and KSP acknowledged the seriousness of the unfolding situation, noting that “Kentucky is dealing with a series of incidents connected to a single suspect, including a trooper-involved shooting and a mass casualty event at Richmond Road Baptist Church.”
Officials urged the public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts, with one spokesperson saying, “Please pray for all those impacted by these senseless acts of violence. We are grateful for the swift and coordinated response by our law enforcement officers and first responders.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are working to determine a motive and are processing multiple crime scenes. KSP has committed to providing additional information as it becomes available.
This remains a developing story.
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.