Crime
Who is Kerri Rollo? Vandalizing Charlie Kirk memorial in front of Bentonville Court House
UPDATE: Two Bentonville women were arrested Wednesday in connection with vandalizing a memorial dedicated to Charlie Kirk outside the Benton County Courthouse.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office learned Tuesday of a vandalism incident at the courthouse involving the makeshift memorial, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.
A video that had been posted online shows a person tearing up a sign and kicking items comprising the memorial, which had been set up at the bottom of the courthouse steps in downtown Bentonville.
Following a “swift investigation,” detectives identified and arrested two women in connection with criminal mischief in the first degree, a misdemeanor: Kerri Melissa Rollo, 23, and Kaylee Heather Rollo, 22, both of Jonquilla Way in Bentonville; Kaylee Rollo faces an additional charge of obstruction of governmental operations, according to the release.
Both were being held Wednesday at the Benton County Jail with no bond set.
Kirk, a conservative political activist, was assassinated during a public appearance Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
BENTONVILLE, AR — Authorities have confirmed that an Arkansas Tech University student was involved in the defacement of a public memorial honoring activist Charlie Kirk in front of Bentonville Court House.
Police identified the individual as Kerri Melissa Rollo who appeared in a widely circulated video allegedly damaging the memorial alongside her younger sister.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Rollo was previously arrested during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 71, near a rest area, where she was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jacqueline Nichole Maberry, 20, was also taken into custody during the same stop and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following the release of the video, Rollo’s connection to Bella’s Table, a restaurant in Bella Vista, drew public scrutiny. Community members contacted the business demanding accountability.
In response, Bella’s Table issued a public statement addressing the situation:
“We understand your outrage over this incident. The individual who defaced the Charlie Kirk memorial does not represent or define our company, nor the hard-working team that serves our community every day. This person’s actions are not a reflection of our standards, values, or culture. Please know that we are addressing this matter internally with the seriousness it deserves. We ask that the dedication and professionalism of our broader staff not be overshadowed by the poor choices of one individual. Our commitment remains to honor our values and provide a respectful and positive experience for all.”
Additionally, sources confirmed that Rollo has been removed from the residence where she was living at the time of the incident.
The Bentonville Police Department continues to review the defacement case, though no additional charges have yet been announced in relation to the vandalism.
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.