Crime
24-year-old Marcos Criddle killed after shooting in Ector County, suspect Anthony Manarite arrested
Authorities arrested Manarite shortly after the incident, and he is currently being held as the investigation continues.
The Ector County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) has shared additional details about a fatal shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning, resulting in one death.
According to ECSO, the suspect in custody has been identified as 27-year-old Anthony Bernardino Cortez Manarite.
Authorities arrested Manarite shortly after the incident, and he is currently being held as the investigation continues.
The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Marcos Criddle, and his family has been notified of his passing.
ECSO is encouraging any residents with information about the incident to reach out to local law enforcement. Those who may have relevant details can contact the Ector County Sheriff’s Office at 432-335-3050.
The incident took place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, around 5:24 a.m. when ECSO responded to a call about a gunshot victim located in the 3500 block of Flint Ave.
Upon arrival, officers found a male victim who was then transported to Medical Center Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
At the scene, deputies detained a suspect and recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
The suspect was taken to the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, where he reportedly admitted to shooting the victim during an interview.
While the names of both individuals involved were initially withheld for further investigation, ECSO has now released the identities of the suspect and victim.
The Ector County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the incident, and additional updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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.