Crime
22-year-old Kendrick Profit arrested for murder of 8-year-old Diellon Daniels in Swan Avenue shooting
The vehicle was occupied by a pregnant woman, identified as the mother, and her three young children. Remarkably, the mother was unharmed; however, all three children sustained gunshot injuries.
A 22-year-old man, Kendrick Profit, has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that claimed the life of 8-year-old Diellon Daniels in what police are calling a “targeted attack.”
Profit was taken into custody and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 27, in the 1000 block of Swan Avenue near Scenic Highway in Baton Rouge. Several Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) units and ambulances responded to reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a Honda Accord riddled with bullets that had crashed into a tree. An extensive investigation of the scene revealed approximately 60 shell casings, underscoring the severity of the attack.
The vehicle was occupied by a pregnant woman, identified as the mother, and her three young children. Remarkably, the mother was unharmed; however, all three children sustained gunshot injuries.
The boys were rushed to the hospital, with one in critical condition and the other two in serious condition. Tragically, 8-year-old Diellon Daniels succumbed to his injuries.
The mother, shaken by the ordeal, went into labor the following day, November 28.
Authorities noted that Profit has a history of criminal activity, including prior arrests for theft and aggravated flight from an officer.
The investigation remains active as police work to uncover the motive behind the targeted attack and whether additional suspects were involved.
BRPD officials have emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice for young Diellon and his family.
The tragic incident has left the Baton Rouge community reeling, as calls for an end to gun violence resonate louder than ever. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
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.