Crime
Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown arrested in connection to fatal North Nashville mass shooting near Tennessee State University’s Homecoming parade
Victim Johnson and three others were members of a gang known to the Metro Nashville Police Department as “23 SKE,” while Davis and Brown belonged to a rival gang.
Two men have been arrested in connection with a tragic shooting incident that occurred during a homecoming celebration in Nashville, Tennessee.
The shooting left one person dead and injured nine others.
Marquez Davis and DeAnthony Brown, both 24, were apprehended Monday night at a short-term rental located on 26th Avenue North, just a street away from the scene of the crime. Both men have been charged with criminal homicide.
The shooting took place on Saturday night at the intersection of 27th Avenue North and Jefferson Street, following the Tennessee State University homecoming parade.
While most people had left the area to attend the university’s football game, which kicked off at 5 p.m., some celebrations continued on Jefferson Street.
Vonquae Johnson, 24, was among those celebrating when Davis and Brown arrived.
Johnson and three others were members of a gang known to the Metro Nashville Police Department as “23 SKE,” while Davis and Brown belonged to a rival gang.
Surveillance footage captured the altercation between the two groups, which escalated into a shootout.
The video shows Davis and Brown approaching Johnson and his associates, engaging in a verbal exchange, and ultimately drawing their firearms.
A shootout ensued, resulting in the tragic death of Johnson and injuries to nine others, including six innocent bystanders.
Johnson’s mother, who was with him at the time, rushed him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Brown and Davis fled the scene.
Davis, who was visibly limping in the surveillance footage, was later arrested and found to be wearing a medical boot on his left leg.
Police received a tip indicating that he had sought medical treatment for a gunshot wound at a local residence following the shooting.
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.