Crime
Buckeye Police Investigate Apparent Domestic Violence Shooting Involving Former Couple
At approximately 10:45 a.m. today, Buckeye Police responded to reports of a shooting in a residential neighborhood near McDowell Road and Sienna Hills Parkway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a harrowing scene involving two young adults.
A woman in her early 20s was found lying in the doorway of a home, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to her back.
Nearby, a man, also in his early 20s, was found on the ground in front of the house with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures on both individuals.
The woman was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, while the man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigations indicate that this incident stemmed from a domestic violence situation involving the two individuals, who were reportedly former romantic partners.
The Buckeye Police Department has stated that the investigation is ongoing as they work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
No further details have been released at this time.
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.