CINCINNATI, OH – One of the individuals charged in the now-viral Cincinnati street brawl is set to be released from jail, as his legal team pushes back against the growing public narrative surrounding the case.
Jermaine Matthews, 39, is expected to walk out of the Hamilton County Jail on Thursday after posting bond totaling $270,000. His attorney, Brandon Fox, confirmed that Matthews will be placed under electronic monitoring as a condition of his release.
“He’s being fitted with an ankle monitor, and the probation department will lay out all the restrictions — where he can and can’t go,” Fox explained to Fox News Digital.
Matthews faces multiple charges, including two counts of assault, two counts of felony assault, and one count of aggravated riot for his alleged role in the violent confrontation outside a nightclub early Saturday morning — an incident that has since drawn national attention and sparked debate.
Attorney Pushes Back: ‘He Didn’t Start the Fight’
During Thursday’s bond hearing, Fox argued that Matthews did not initiate the altercation and that newly released footage shows someone else slapping Matthews before the fight broke out.
“He didn’t throw the first punch,” Fox said in court. “And he wasn’t the one who knocked that male victim unconscious.”
Instead, Fox contended, Matthews was attempting to remove the unconscious man from his business vehicle when the video captured him dragging the victim. That, according to Fox, became the basis for the charges.
Fox also alleged that one of the victims used racial slurs before the violence erupted.
Injured Victim Identified as ‘Holly’
Among the most widely circulated images from the brawl is the face of a woman, identified only as Holly, bruised and bloodied after being knocked unconscious during the fight. Her injuries include a black eye and swollen lip, as seen in photos shared online.
Officials Dispute Defense Narrative
However, not everyone is buying the defense’s version of events.
A Cincinnati Police detective present at the hearing countered Fox’s claims, stating that bodycam and surveillance footage contradicts the idea that Matthews was merely reacting to a slap.
“We have video evidence that directly challenges the defense’s narrative,” the detective told the court.
Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor David Hickenlooper also addressed the court, emphasizing the seriousness of Matthews’ actions.
“He didn’t provide aid,” Hickenlooper said of Matthews. “He dragged the unconscious victim into the middle of the street. That’s what we’re dealing with here.”
More Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Two other individuals, Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, remain in custody as of Friday morning. Both face charges of felonious assault, assault, and aggravated riot. Merriweather is being held on a $500,000 bond, while Vernon’s bond is set at $200,000.
Police Chief Teresa Theetge has confirmed that two additional suspects have been identified and charged, but their names have not yet been released to the public.
Matthews’ next court appearance is scheduled for August 8.
As the case unfolds and more footage is reviewed, attorneys and officials are continuing to offer competing versions of how the brawl started — and who should be held responsible.
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