Crime
Schenectady High School 9th grader 15-year-old Dubar Knowles killed in shooting
UPDATE: Schenectady Police have identified the 15-year-old homicide victim from last night’s shooting on Congress Street as Dubar T. Knowles, of Schenectady.
The 13-year-old female victim is also from Schenectady and is currently recovering from surgery at a local hospital for a gunshot wound.
She is in stable condition.
Medina Knowles, the sister of the victim in this case, was tragically murdered by her then-20-year-old boyfriend, Raekwon Stover, in September 2016. Stover, who was dating the 17-year-old Medina, coerced her into prostitution, forcing her to engage in sexual acts for money.
When Medina refused to continue this harmful and exploitative behavior, prosecutors allege that Stover became enraged. In a violent act committed in front of Medina’s young son and siblings, Stover fatally shot her in the head.
This horrific incident highlights the devastating consequences of human trafficking and the importance of raising awareness about this serious issue.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
On the evening of October 12, 2024, at approximately 11:20pm, Schenectady police officers responded to the 1100 block of Congress Street for multiple reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers observed a large crowd running from the area and located a 15-year-old male in the backyard of 1122 Congress Street, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.
While investigating, officers were made aware of an additional victim from the incident several blocks away, on Chrisler Avenue.
There they located a 13-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to her head/neck area.
Both victims were assisted by the Schenectady Fire Department and brought to area hospitals.
The 15-year-old male victim has died at the hospital from his injuries and the 13-year-old female victim is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment.
Through the preliminary investigation, it appears the victims and multiple other juveniles were attending a party at 1122 Congress Street when the suspect, or suspects, began shooting.
At this time, Schenectady police detectives and investigators from the New York State Police are actively investigating the incident.
There is currently no one in custody. Detectives are asking for
the public’s assistance in this investigation and those with information are asked to call our Tips Line at: 518-788-6566.
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.