Crime
Zane Hughes Identified as Victim Killed in Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting in Kill Devil Hills
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — Authorities have identified the victim fatally shot in Thursday’s tragic incident at Avalon Fishing Pier as Zane Hughes, a student at First Flight High School.
The suspect, Henry Hargis, also a student at the same school, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
The deadly incident unfolded around 2:37 p.m. in the parking lot of the popular pier, located in the Outer Banks community of Kill Devil Hills.
According to Kill Devil Hills Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris, officers arrived at the scene in under four minutes after receiving multiple reports of shots fired.
One victim, later confirmed to be Zane Hughes, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second teenage male sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for emergency surgery.
His condition remains unknown at this time, but family members say he is expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate the shooting may have followed an argument between individuals in the parking lot.
A witness described the shooter as circling the area in a vehicle before opening fire. According to sources familiar with the investigation, both the suspect and victims knew each other.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and emotional scene. One woman told Channel2 NOW that her friend called her “bawling,” after witnessing a child die in her arms. “She said he was covered in a sheet. She’s a wreck. She thought it was fireworks at first—then realized it was gunfire,” the woman shared.
The suspect fled the scene before police arrived but was apprehended a short time later in Southern Shores with the help of multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to Harris, descriptions provided by witnesses played a key role in locating and arresting the suspect. Officials emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public, and they believe this to be an isolated incident.
Access to the Avalon Pier and its surrounding parking area was quickly restricted following the shooting, with visitors and beachgoers temporarily unable to leave due to the ongoing police activity and investigation.
Assistant Chief Harris, a 48-year veteran of law enforcement, remarked during a press briefing, “In all my years of service across several jurisdictions, I’ve never experienced anything quite like this.” He confirmed the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Community members and public officials have expressed shock and sadness. Austin Ayers, a Republican congressional candidate, posted a statement offering support for those impacted.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this incident unfolding in Kill Devil Hills,” he wrote. “Please respect all first responders at the Avalon Pier—they are doing their job. If they request you leave the area, please do. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911.”
In the aftermath of Thursday’s tragic shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier, pier management has released a heartfelt public statement reflecting on the incident and expressing gratitude for a positive turn in a difficult situation.
In a Facebook post, Avalon Pier described the shooting as “an end to a feud between two young individuals,” one of whom was reportedly returning from the beach when the confrontation escalated. According to the statement, “One life ended and hopefully, one will get a life sentence,” referencing the death of 17-year-old Zane Hughes and the arrest of fellow First Flight High School student Henry Hargis, who is charged in connection with the shooting.
The post also acknowledged the injury of an innocent bystander, who was shot in the leg by what officials believe was a ricocheted bullet. The teen victim was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for emergency treatment.
In a touching update, Avalon Pier shared that the injured teen returned to the pier the following morning. “Here he is this morning, ready to go back fishing,” the post read, accompanied by a photo of the young man with a pier employee named Jill, who assisted him before emergency responders arrived on the scene. “The level of relief to see this young man come through the door this morning has truly lifted our spirits.”
The post concluded with a message of introspection and community healing: “This community is currently doing some serious soul-searching from this incident.”
The shooting has left Kill Devil Hills residents and visitors shaken, but moments like these — witnessing the recovery and resilience of a survivor — offer a glimmer of hope amid tragedy.
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.