Chaos broke out at the Hamilton County Courthouse on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, following a plea hearing in a deadly 2024 shooting case. Witnesses described the scene as a “melee” between families, resulting in the arrest of several individuals.
Incident Details
The confrontation occurred on the fifth floor of the courthouse, immediately after murder suspect Latrelle Rogers entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter for the 2024 death of Edwin Arrington in University Heights.
- The Confrontation: According to witnesses, the courtroom was packed with family members from both sides. As deputies escorted Rogers out, tensions escalated, leading to screaming and profanity in the hallway.
- Physical Altercation: While the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office initially stated they were not aware of a physical fight, witnesses told reporters they saw punches thrown.
- Law Enforcement Response: Deputies immediately intervened to control the situation. The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) was called to assist in securing the outside of the building due to the nature of the incident.
Aftermath and Arrests
Following the disturbance, three people were cited for disorderly conduct. Additionally, a juvenile was detained and subsequently released to their parents.
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns within the courthouse, though officials confirmed that no deputies were injured during the melee.
