Cincinnati, Ohio – An Ohio man accused of shooting a mother and her two daughters on Christmas Day is now claiming he acted in self-defense, according to court records and police statements.
James Brown, 58, is facing three counts of felony assault following a shooting that unfolded in the early morning hours of Dec. 25 in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood.
What Happened on Christmas Morning
Police say the shooting occurred just before 3 a.m. near the intersection of Central Avenue and Kindel Avenue. Officers responding to reports of gunfire arrived to find a 36-year-old woman and her 10-year-old and 15-year-old daughters suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment. The mother was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, while both children were rushed to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Authorities said all three injuries were non-life-threatening.
Neighbors Describe Chaos and Fear
Residents living nearby told investigators they heard arguing shortly before the shots were fired. Several neighbors described confusion and fear as the scene unfolded.
“You don’t want to hear that happened to, like, a mom and two kids,” one man said. “It’s kind of sad.”
Another neighbor recalled hearing a car horn blaring after the gunfire.
“She was laying on that horn maybe for help,” the woman said. “I didn’t know if someone was dead and fell on it. That’s what I thought. But I guess she was laying on it for help, and by that time, the cops were here.”
The same neighbor estimated that about eight shots were fired. She later saw the injured mother move.
“I was like, ‘Yes, yes, hold on sister,’” she recalled.
Police Response and Early Investigation
Officers with the Cincinnati Police Department secured the area and began canvassing for evidence. Investigators noted a silver Chevrolet Impala leaving the scene shortly after the shooting, according to police statements shared with local media.
At the time, authorities said they could not immediately determine a motive or confirm the relationship between the suspect and the victims.
Court Records Reveal Prior History
Court documents later obtained by local outlets paint a more complex picture. Records indicate Brown had been accused of assault in four separate cases involving the same woman, dating back to 2022. In each of those cases, the charges were ultimately dismissed.
Prosecutors also highlighted Brown’s broader criminal history, citing prior allegations involving assault, domestic violence, and aggravated menacing.
Self-Defense Claim Raised in Court
Brown appeared in court the day after Christmas. During the hearing, his defense attorney argued that someone inside the woman’s vehicle fired first, prompting Brown to respond in self-defense.
Prosecutors challenged that account, emphasizing Brown’s familiarity with the legal system and the seriousness of the allegations. They also pointed to the fact that three people, including two children, were struck by gunfire.
Bond Set at $900,000
Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Brad Greenberg set Brown’s bond at $900,000 during the arraignment. Brown remains in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors say a grand jury will review the evidence to determine whether formal indictments will be issued. Until then, Brown will remain detained unless bond conditions are met.
Conclusion
The Christmas Day shooting has shaken the West End community, raising renewed concerns about domestic violence, gun access, and public safety. As investigators continue their work and the case moves toward a grand jury decision, residents are left grappling with how a holiday meant for family and peace turned into a scene of fear and gunfire.
