Yahaira Melendez
PROVIDED / PHILADELPHIA POLICE
Prosecutors charged an IHOP security guard with murder for fatally shooting a homeless man after he allegedly spat in her direction Saturday night inside the chain’s Center City location.
Yahaira Melendez, 38, of Kensington, is accused of killing 43-year-old Bryan Delp just before 11:15 p.m. at the restaurant on the corner of Walnut and Juniper streets, according to authorities.
GOOGLE MAPS
Delp, who was unarmed, spat at Melendez as she was escorting him out of the business, investigators said. That’s when Melendez allegedly fired one shot, striking Delp in the head, law enforcement officials added. He was confirmed dead a short time later at Jefferson University Hospital.
“The murder charges in this case were very straightforward based on the video itself, let alone the witnesses who were there,” Assistant District Attorney Bob Wainwright said Tuesday during a news conference.
The Defender’s Association, which is representing Melendez, did not respond to a request for comment.
Her family, in a statement provided to 6abc, said: “We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security, but we know she would never harm anyone unless she had no other choice in order to protect herself or others.”
An IHOP representative did not answer an inquiry about whether Melendez worked directly for the restaurant or for a security contractor.
“We take this incident extremely seriously,” the chain’s local franchise said in a statement. “We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.”
Melendez is being jailed without bail, which is typical for individuals charged with murder. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27.
PPD data indicates that 177 people have been murdered in Philadelphia this year, down nearly 14% compared to the same date in 2024.
Counseling, peer support, and victim advocacy services are available for victims, family members, and others affected by gun violence. Go to metrophiladelphia.com/gun-violence-resources for more information.