Crime
23-Year-Old Imani Easley Charged in Double Shooting After Fight Intervention at Koeneman Park
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A 23-year-old woman from University City has been formally charged in connection with a double shooting that occurred Saturday evening in Jennings, Missouri.
Authorities say the suspect opened fire on two women who were attempting to break up a physical altercation at Koeneman Park.
According to St. Louis County Police and spokesperson Mary Schmitt, officers responded to a shooting at approximately 6:05 p.m. on May 30 in the 2600 block of Shannon Avenue, near the park’s vicinity.
Investigators determined that the victims had intervened in a fight between two other individuals when the suspect, identified as Imani R. Easley, allegedly retrieved a Glock pistol and fired multiple rounds.
One woman was struck in the right arm, and the second was shot in the chest.
Both victims were transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. The woman who sustained a chest wound remains in critical condition, authorities said.
The incident, which reportedly unfolded in front of numerous parkgoers, was captured on video and livestreamed on Facebook.
The footage played a key role in the swift identification and arrest of the suspect.
After her arrest, Easley reportedly admitted to shooting both victims, according to a probable cause statement filed by investigators.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Easley with the following:
- Two counts of first-degree assault
- Two counts of armed criminal action
- One count of unlawful use of a weapon
Easley is currently being held in custody on a $500,000 cash-only bond. A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for June 9, and a preliminary hearing is set for July 2.
Law enforcement officials have not released additional information about the motive behind the initial fight or whether the victims knew the suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with further information or additional video footage is encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department.
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.