Crime
36-year-old Anna Scott killed after confronting burglary suspects in DeKalb County

The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Anna Scott, who was gunned down in her own front yard late Saturday night on Citation Drive in Decatur.
According to investigators, Scott was alerted by her doorbell camera shortly before the shooting when several individuals attempted to break into her home.
The video footage, later released by police, shows the chilling sequence of events.
In the recording, a man armed with a pry bar approaches Scott’s front door.
Within seconds, two additional men appear—one emerging from behind a bush and the other crossing through the yard. Both were armed with firearms.
Moments later, headlights from Scott’s Jeep SUV are seen as she pulls into the yard toward her home.
The suspects are visibly startled.
The man holding the pry bar flees behind a bush, accompanied by one of the other suspects.
However, the second armed man—identified by his red Atlanta Falcons jacket—immediately opens fire on Scott while she remains inside her vehicle.
The doorbell footage captures the muzzle flashes from the suspect’s weapon and multiple bullets striking the Jeep’s front windshield. As the recording brightens, several bullet holes are clearly visible.
Emergency responders from DeKalb County Fire Rescue arrived quickly and rushed Scott to a nearby hospital.
Despite efforts by medical staff, she was pronounced dead a short time later.
On Monday, DKPD publicly released the doorbell footage and, on Tuesday, issued clearer images of the suspects.
Authorities are urging the public to help identify the individuals involved in the deadly attempted burglary.
“So far, no arrests have been made,” police confirmed.
A nearby resident, who asked not to be identified, told reporters he heard the gunfire that night. “It was gunshots clearly,” he said. “Rapid gunshots and screeching of a car.”
Police emphasized the urgency of identifying the suspects before they strike again. “These individuals are armed and dangerous,” DKPD stated. “We need to get them off the streets before another tragedy occurs.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the DeKalb County Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta.
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.