Crime
23-year-old Julian Williams killed after shooting in South Shore, Chicago police say
A 23-year-old woman was also injured in the shooting, suffering gunshot wounds to her face and neck.
Chicago, IL – A fatal shooting early Saturday morning on the city’s South Side has left one man dead and a woman critically injured, according to Chicago police.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:36 a.m. inside a residence in the 1700 block of East 67th Street.
Police report that 23-year-old Julian Williams sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen.
Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, Williams was pronounced dead.
A 23-year-old woman was also injured in the shooting, suffering gunshot wounds to her face and neck.
She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and her identity has not yet been released.
At this time, no suspects are in custody, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Chicago Police Department’s Area One detectives are actively investigating the case.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them as the investigation continues.
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.