Crime
42-year-old Travis Russell killed in southwest Birmingham shooting
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Authorities have identified the man killed in a broad daylight shooting in southwest Birmingham over the weekend.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed Tuesday that the victim was 42-year-old Travis Sentell Russell of Dadeville.
According to Birmingham Police, officers from the West Precinct were dispatched around 12:45 p.m. Saturday to the 700 block of McMillon Avenue following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they located Russell lying on the ground behind an SUV in a residential driveway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Russell was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:31 p.m. Preliminary findings indicate the shooting occurred near the location where Russell was discovered.
Investigators believe he attempted to seek help before collapsing.
At this time, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Russell’s death marks Birmingham’s 60th homicide of 2025 and was one of two fatal shootings reported in the city over the weekend.
The earlier incident took place Friday night in the Inglenook community, where a 21-year-old man was shot and killed during an argument at a house party.
A suspect has since been charged in that case.
So far this year, Jefferson County has recorded 92 homicides, including the 60 within Birmingham city limits.
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.