Crime
Kaden Woodring charged with murder in shooting death of Greater Johnstown High School student Syrina Raneri
Kaden allegedly pointed the rifle at her and asked, “you know I’m playin’?,” before pulling the trigger.
Authorities in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, have released further information regarding a tragic overnight shooting that claimed the life of 17-year-old Syrina Raneri, a student at Greater Johnstown High School.
According to the Johnstown Police Department, the incident occurred late Sunday night at a residence on Sheridan Street.
Officers responded just before midnight to reports of a shooting and discovered Raneri in the basement with gunshot wounds to her upper chest and right arm. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have charged 17-year-old Kaden Woodring with criminal homicide and aggravated assault in connection with the shooting.
According to the affidavit, witnesses reported that Woodring pointed a hunting-style rifle at Raneri and pulled the trigger. The weapon, reportedly stolen, had been brought to Woodring weeks earlier by another juvenile.
Woodring told police that Raneri was at the residence to pick up two individuals who had been socializing there. He admitted to pointing the rifle at her, asking, “You know I’m playin’?” before discharging the weapon.
After the shooting, Woodring allegedly informed a family member about the incident, briefly spoke with a 911 operator, and then fled the scene. He was later apprehended after making phone contact with law enforcement.
Authorities noted that the rifle involved in the shooting and any shell casings were missing from the scene. Police believe another juvenile removed the weapon from the residence. Efforts are ongoing to locate the firearm and piece together additional details about its origin.
Woodring is currently being held at Cambria County Prison without bail.
An autopsy on Raneri is scheduled for Tuesday to confirm the exact cause of death.
The death of Syrina Raneri has sent shockwaves through the Greater Johnstown High School community, where she was a student. Grief counselors are being made available to help students and staff process the tragedy.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
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.