Crime
Martin Louis Gordon Fatally Stabbed Outside Helms College in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred late Sunday night outside the Village West Shopping Center on Washington Road, near the Helms College campus.
According to authorities, deputies were dispatched to the location at approximately 11:09 p.m. on October 13 in response to reports of an unresponsive individual.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, 30-year-old Martin Louis Gordon of Grovetown, suffering from at least one stab wound.
Despite immediate emergency response, Gordon succumbed to his injuries at the scene and was pronounced deceased at 11:35 p.m. by Deputy Coroner Kenneth Boose.
Investigators believe the stabbing occurred outside the Helms College School of Trades building, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Authorities have released an image of a suspect wanted in connection with Gordon’s murder, describing the individual as armed and dangerous.
Law enforcement urges anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080.
In response to the tragedy, Helms College issued a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of one of its students and confirming its cooperation with investigators.
“A tragic incident occurred late Monday evening outside the Helms College School of Trades building on our Augusta campus. Local law enforcement responded and is leading the investigation. We are fully cooperating with their efforts,” the statement read.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our HVAC students, identified publicly by authorities as 30-year-old Martin Louis Gordon of Grovetown. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, classmates, and instructors during this difficult time.”
The college also noted that student support services have been activated, with counseling staff, administrators, and the campus chaplain available to assist students and employees affected by the incident.
“Our priority is the well-being of our students and employees,” the statement continued. “We have enhanced our campus security measures and are working closely with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office while the investigation continues.”
Family members describe Martin Louis Gordon as a devoted father and hardworking student who had recently moved from Maryland to Grovetown in January to build a better life for his two children — an 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son.
Determined to maintain his perfect attendance record, Gordon reportedly attended class on Monday night despite facing transportation issues. When his brother arrived to pick him up nearly an hour after class had ended, he found Martin fatally wounded outside the school.
“Somebody just walked up to him and started stabbing him,” said Gordon’s sister-in-law. “He was not a confrontational guy at all.”
The family said they plan to tell his children about the tragedy after school on Tuesday, hoping to give them “one more day” before breaking the devastating news.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the killing, urging anyone with information to come forward as the search for the suspect intensifies.
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.