Crime
Santa Monica College suspect Davon Dean found dead with self-inflicted gunshot in Hawthorne
Dean had a history of arrests for violent incidents, including attempted murder in 2011 and assault with a deadly weapon in 2019.
A tragic workplace shooting incident occurred at Santa Monica College on Monday evening, resulting in the death of the suspect and critical injuries to a coworker.
The shooting took place just before 10 p.m. at the college’s Center for Media and Design on Stewart Street.
The victim, a custodial operations manager whose name has not been released, was hospitalized in critical condition.
The suspect, identified as Davon Durell Dean, 39, a Santa Monica College employee, was apprehended by authorities in Hawthorne on Tuesday.
Dean had a history of arrests for violent incidents, including attempted murder in 2011 and assault with a deadly weapon in 2019, although he only had convictions for misdemeanor property crimes.
The shooting incident prompted the closure of all seven Santa Monica College campuses as a precautionary measure.
The college administration offered counseling and mental health support services to the school community in response to the tragedy.
Local residents expressed their shock and sadness over the incident but indicated that it did not significantly alter their sense of safety in the neighborhood.
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.