CINCINNATI — A grand jury is set to consider charges against at least four individuals involved in a violent incident that occurred downtown last month. Cincinnati’s police chief described the altercation as particularly brutal, drawing significant attention locally and nationally.
The suspects anticipated to face charges include Dominique Kittle, 37; Jermaine Matthews, 39; Montianez Merriweather, 34; and Dekyra Vernon, 24. All have been charged with felonious assault, aggravated riot, and assault. Matthews has been released on bond but is currently under house arrest and required to wear an ankle monitor, according to court documents. Meanwhile, Kittle, Merriweather, and Vernon remain detained at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Court testimony indicated that Matthews and Merriweather allegedly planned the attack, suggesting premeditated actions on their part. Their attorneys, however, have disputed this, claiming their clients were the victims in the situation.
Additional developments include the arrest of Patrick Rosemond, 38, who was apprehended in Atlanta. He faces similar charges and has waived extradition to Ohio, where authorities have 15 days to retrieve him.
On Thursday, Aisha Devaughn, 26, also faced court regarding charges of felonious assault and aggravated riot. Her case is set to proceed to the grand jury later this month. The violent clash, which took place on July 26, involved roughly 100 people and left six individuals, comprising five men and one woman, with severe injuries.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge emphasized the depth of violence witnessed, describing it as “unimaginable.” The incident sparked discussions on broader societal issues, including crime and public safety, and has generated substantial discourse about race relations within the city.
Law enforcement is actively seeking to identify a seventh suspect, a man alleged to have committed robbery during the incident. Security footage reportedly captured him stealing a gold chain from a victim while they were being assaulted. Authorities encourage anyone with information about this individual to contact Crime Stoppers.
The police chief has noted that available video footage does not encompass the entire incident, indicating that further evidence, such as body camera footage, may be released soon. She urged patience, stating that releasing too much information too quickly could compromise the investigation’s integrity.
Moreover, the FBI is reviewing the incident to assess potential civil rights violations, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation. As the situation unfolds, Cincinnati remains at the forefront of a critical conversation about safety, justice, and community impact.