Murder Warrant Issued For Teen In Zion Nurse's Killing

WAUKEGAN, IL — A teenager has been wanted for nearly three weeks after being charged with first-degree murder in connection with the killing of a Zion woman in her home.

Melanie Yates, 23, was shot in the head inside her home on the night of Oct. 17, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office. She died the following morning at Vista East Hospital in Waukegan.

Investigators do not believe Yates was the intended target of the shooting, which was carried out by one of her neighbors, according to the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force.

Zechariah Myles, 16, of the 2800 block of Enoch Avenue, Zion, came out of his home on the night of the shooting and began "recklessly shooting a rifle," firing "numerous rounds" at another person, according to a task force spokesperson.

On Oct. 21, a judge signed off on an arrest warrant for Myles on a charge of first-degree murder. Minors accused of committing certain crimes at the age of 16 or older cannot be tried in juvenile court, according to state law.

Task force spokesperson Chris Covelli said Myles appears to be have been trying to avoid being apprehended over the past three weeks. The teen was described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Authorities asked anyone who sees Myles to call 911. Anyone with information about his whereabouts was asked to contact the Zion Police Department or Lake County CrimeStoppers.

"We know he has ties to Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and southern states," Covelli told Patch. "All area law-enforcement has been notified to be on the lookout."

Yates, a registered nurse and 2019 University of Wisconsin–Parkside graduate, leaves behind two daughters and her husband, according to an obituary. An online fundraiser established on her family's behalf described her as deeply faithful and said she will be deeply missed. As of Wednesday, more than 1,600 people had donated to the Yates Family Fund.

"We miss her passionate, powerful prayers. We miss her infectious laugh. We miss her beautiful singing voice lifting songs of worship. We miss her feisty, witty humor. We miss her dedication to being an amazing, godly mom and wife," it said. "We miss her. And we wish with every fiber of our being she was here, but we know she’s in a better place."

Related:

• Zion Woman, 23, Struck By Stray Bullet, In Critical Condition
• Mom Killed In Home By Stray Bullet Had 'Infectious Laugh,' 'Witty Sense Of Humor'
• No Arrests In Death Of Zion Mother Melanie Yates, Hit By A Stray Bullet