Crime
Curtis James Named Suspect in Deadly Shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula
PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Authorities have identified the suspect in Friday morning’s deadly shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Curtis James of Mobile.
The Pascagoula Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched to the shipyard at approximately 7:32 a.m. on August 22, 2025, after receiving reports of an active shooter on site.
When officers arrived, they discovered one victim, described as a painter employed at the facility, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
A spokesperson for Ingalls Shipbuilding confirmed the active shooter situation, stating: “We are urging all personnel to shelter in place and to await further instructions. Law enforcement was promptly notified and is currently at the shipyard and responding to the situation.”
By mid-morning, police announced that James had been taken into custody without further incident.
Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in securing the shipyard, which remained on lockdown for several hours while first responders worked to ensure safety.
Investigators have since linked the shipyard shooting to a domestic-related incident.
According to police, James’ wife was found deceased at a residence earlier Friday morning, with evidence indicating she had been killed the previous night.
Authorities believe James then targeted the man fatally shot at Ingalls, who was allegedly involved in a relationship with his wife.
The identities of the deceased victims are being withheld pending notification of their families.
Police emphasized that this was an isolated act of violence and that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
HII, the parent company of Ingalls Shipbuilding, released a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming its commitment to employee safety: “We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our employees and are fully cooperating with law enforcement as this investigation continues.”
Ingalls Shipbuilding, located in Pascagoula, is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and the primary builder of U.S. Navy surface combatants and Coast Guard vessels.
The investigation into both the homicide and the shipyard shooting remains ongoing.
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.