Tuesday, Jan. 6: Vandalism Charges + Death Penalty Off + Legal Settlement
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Man arrested after vandalizing JD Vance’s Cincinnati home.
A Cincinnati man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he damaged the East Walnut Hills home of Vice President JD Vance. Court records show 26-year-old William Defoor was arrested early Monday after allegedly breaking windows at the residence while the home was unoccupied. Vance and his family were not in Ohio at the time. Defoor is charged with vandalism, criminal trespass, criminal damaging, and obstructing official business. Records also show prior vandalism and trespassing cases, including involvement with the county’s mental health docket. The Secret Service and Cincinnati police responded to the incident.
Prosecutors drop death penalty bid in Hinton deputy killing.
Hamilton County prosecutors won’t seek the death penalty for Rodney Hinton Jr., who’s accused of killing a sheriff’s deputy last year. Three court-appointed psychologists concluded Hinton has a serious mental illness—bipolar disorder with psychotic features—which makes him ineligible for execution under Ohio law. Prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed on the diagnosis, and the judge is expected to formally accept the findings. Hinton now faces life in prison without parole if convicted. His trial is set for April 6, and his attorney plans an insanity defense.
3CDC, Panino settle lawsuit over Imagination Alley park access.
A five-year legal dispute between Cincinnati developer 3CDC and former Over-the-Rhine restaurant Panino has ended in a confidential settlement. The conflict stemmed from 3CDC’s alleged failure to secure Imagination Alley—a neighboring public park space that Panino said was essential to its lease agreement. The case dragged on due to multiple appeals and judicial rulings, including two courtroom wins for 3CDC that were later partially overturned. Last year, the Ohio Supreme Court disqualified Judge Alan Triggs over concerns about impartiality. Terms of the settlement weren’t disclosed, but Panino’s owner says he is relieved to move on.
Madisonville senior fights foreclosure after property tax spike.
In Madisonville, 73-year-old Robert Combs is fighting to remain in the home he’s lived in for nearly 40 years. A dramatic property tax increase—triggered by a county reassessment—nearly pushed him into foreclosure, despite earning only $990 a month in Social Security. With help from Legal Aid and public assistance programs, Combs has managed to stay, but he remains at risk in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. His story highlights a growing crisis for older homeowners on fixed incomes.
Bengals owner backs Zac Taylor, Duke Tobin after 6-11.
Despite missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year, the Cincinnati Bengals front office will likely remain unchanged. Team President Mike Brown issued a statement Monday expressing confidence in Head Coach Zac Taylor and Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin. The announcement followed a season-ending loss to the Cleveland Browns, leaving the team at 6-11. Brown acknowledged the disappointing season but emphasized the leadership’s past success, including a Super Bowl appearance and two AFC Championship games. He said the team remains committed to building a consistent contender.
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