Mayor Aftab Pureval addressed the media regarding the violent beating that went viral in downtown Cincinnati. A new suspect was recently arrested in connection with the incident, bringing the total number of suspects to six.
During the press conference, city officials and community leaders discussed new criminal charges and additional victims involved in the assault. Reverend Damon Lynch, a local pastor, provided his version of events based on video footage he had seen. He suggested that the white man seen being attacked in the video had initiated the fight, sparking a debate about the criminal responsibility of those involved.
Police Chief Teresa Theetge confirmed that four suspects were in custody, with two remaining fugitives. The fourth suspect, Dominique Kittle, was arrested and is expected to face charges of felonious assault and aggravated riot.
Reverend Lynch highlighted the racial dynamics of the incident, emphasizing the need to view all mugshots before drawing conclusions. Mayor Pureval echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the possibility of further arrests.
The mayor condemned attempts to inflame racial tensions in the aftermath of the attack, emphasizing Cincinnati’s diversity and unity as a community. He also denounced comments made by City Councilwoman Victoria Parks, who appeared to justify the violence on social media.
Police Chief Theetge provided updates on the investigation, noting that six suspects had been charged with felonious assault and aggravated rioting. The fugitive apprehension unit is actively pursuing individuals who have not yet been captured.
Theetge revealed that six victims, including five males and one female, had been identified in the brutal attack. She described the violence they endured as unimaginable.
The city had 11 police officers on duty in the central business district at the time of the assault, according to Theetge, who deemed this presence adequate. One of the suspects, Jermaine Matthews, was set to be released on bond, according to his attorney, Brandon Fox. Matthews faced multiple charges related to the incident and would be subject to electronic monitoring as part of his bond agreement. During a bond hearing Thursday afternoon, it was revealed that Matthews did not initiate the fight. His attorney stated that a video showed an individual slapping Matthews before the fight broke out. The attorney also clarified that Matthews did not render aid to the victim who was knocked unconscious, but rather moved the victim away from his business vehicle.
The attorney also alleged that one of the victims used racial slurs prior to the altercation. Additional information regarding the incident is expected to emerge, potentially challenging the current narrative.
Matthews is scheduled for his next court appearance on August 8, according to jail records. Two other suspects, Montianez Merriweather and Dekyra Vernon, remain in custody facing charges related to the brawl. Merriweather’s bond is set at $500,000, while Vernon’s bond is $200,000.
The names of the remaining suspects will be disclosed once they are apprehended. A Cincinnati Police detective disputed the claim that the slap initiated the fight, citing video evidence that contradicts this assertion. Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor David Hickenlooper also provided further details during the hearing.
