Crime
35-year-old Kristy Harrison killed in shooting that targeted home in Tarrant
TARRANT, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a weekend shooting that targeted a home in Tarrant during the holiday weekend.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as 35-year-old Kristy Denise Harrison of Birmingham.
According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday, August 30, at approximately 10:40 p.m., when gunfire erupted outside a residence in the 1400 block of Ford Avenue.
Investigators say someone drove past the home and opened fire, striking Harrison multiple times. She was pronounced dead at the scene just minutes later, at 10:49 p.m.
Authorities have determined that Harrison, who had been attending a gathering at the residence, was not the intended target.
Police Chief Wendell Major stated that the violence stemmed from a dispute earlier in the day involving two women and a vehicle.
That initial altercation, which took place around 4 p.m., involved threats and gunfire directed at the home, but no one was injured.
Hours later, suspects returned and unleashed a hail of bullets into the residence before fleeing.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigators continue to search for those responsible.
This marks Tarrant’s second homicide of 2025.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Tarrant Police Department at 205-849-2811 or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
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.