Seventh Suspect Indicted in Cincinnati Viral Assault Case Faces Serious Charges

A seventh suspect has been indicted following a violent incident in Cincinnati that captured national attention after going viral on social media. The allegations against Gregory Wright, 32, include aggravated riot and felony aggravated robbery, according to jail records.

Wright faces significant financial penalties, with a bond set at $50,000 for the aggravated riot charge and $100,000 for the robbery charge. As of Monday morning, he remained in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Details of the Incident

During his initial arraignment, which occurred last week, Wright pleaded not guilty to all charges. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, the violent altercation took place around 3 a.m. in the bustling downtown area of Cincinnati. During the melee, Wright allegedly snatched a necklace from one of the victims while they were being assaulted.

The complaint specifically states that Wright “did by force rip the necklace off the victim while he was being assaulted by four or more co-defendants attempting to cause serious physical harm.” Additionally, he reportedly recorded the brutal incident.

A History of Arrests

Court records from the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office reveal that Wright has a lengthy criminal history, with 22 prior arrests to his name. His offenses range from traffic violations, such as driving without a license or proper insurance, to more serious charges involving drug trafficking and firearms.

In 2014, Wright was convicted for trafficking heroin, a felony. He later pleaded guilty to drug possession in 2016, fined $210. Further complications arose in 2021 when he was convicted for illegally concealing a firearm and for possession of a firearm as a prohibited person, though he received only probation.

Notably, records indicate that Wright violated this probation on multiple occasions.

Legal Representation and Developments

Hamilton County Chief Public Defender Raymond Feller stated that Wright had engaged a private attorney, Carl Lewis, during a court appearance last Friday. Wright’s attorney was contacted for comments regarding the ongoing proceedings.

Other Defendants in the Case

In related developments, last week saw six additional co-defendants formally arraigned on new charges in a Hamilton County courtroom. All six suspects now face three counts of alleged felonious assault, three counts of assault, and two counts of aggravated riot.

Montanez Merriweather, one of the suspects, had his bond of $500,000 upheld. He faces a federal gun charge, which is expected to be prosecuted separately.

Jermaine Matthews, initially released after posting a $250,000 bond shortly after the attack, remains under the same bond conditions, allowing him to continue working. Dominique Kittle has been ordered to remain in custody while awaiting a mental health evaluation, although his bond of $250,000 was not altered.

Meanwhile, Dekyra Vernon, one of the two female suspects, saw her bond reduced significantly from $200,000 to $25,000 at a 10% rate, under the condition she remains away from the downtown area if released. Aisha Devaughn also benefited from a bond reduction, dropping from $300,000 to $25,000.

Sixth Suspect Arraigned

On Friday, the sixth suspect in the assault was formally arraigned after being extradited from Georgia. Patrick Rosemond, a long-time resident of Hamilton County, was given a $500,000 bond. He is accused of delivering the knockout blow to the victim, Holly, a moment vividly captured in the viral footage. According to Holly, that blow resulted in significant brain trauma.

Looking Ahead

The legal proceedings surrounding this case continue to evolve, as the serious charges against Wright and his co-defendants reflect the ongoing battle against violence in urban areas. The public’s interest remains high, as the incidents require thorough investigation and judicious handling by the justice system.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the implications of violence and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Further updates are expected as all involved parties navigate the complexities of the legal process.

Fox News’ Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.