Crime
Jeremie Northcross Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Trinity Staten as She Entered Rideshare Vehicle
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A 31-year-old man has been charged after allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend as she entered a rideshare vehicle early Tuesday morning in north St. Louis.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were notified at approximately 2:25 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, that a woman suffering from a gunshot wound had been dropped off at a local hospital.
Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigators determined that the shooting occurred near North Broadway and East Clarence Avenue in the city’s Sixth District.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the 29-year-old victim, identified as Trinity Staten, had just entered a rideshare vehicle at that location when gunfire erupted moments later.
Police said the rideshare driver, who was not injured, immediately drove Staten to the hospital in an attempt to save her life.
Following an intensive investigation, authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Jeremie Northcross, the victim’s boyfriend.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged Northcross with First-Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action in connection with the fatal shooting.
Detectives believe the attack was domestic-related, though the specific motive has not been released.
The Homicide Division continues to investigate the case and is urging anyone with additional information to contact detectives directly at 314-444-5371.
Those wishing to remain anonymous and possibly qualify for a cash reward are encouraged to submit tips to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). Officials noted that only tips leading to a felony arrest are eligible for CrimeStoppers rewards.
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.