Police say a 58-year-old man is charged after gunfire struck a family’s car before dawn in the West End.
CINCINNATI — A 36-year-old mother and her two children were shot while sitting in a vehicle just before 3 a.m. on Christmas Day in the West End, according to police. Officers later arrested a 58-year-old man on three counts of felonious assault.
Authorities said the shooting occurred near Central Avenue and Kindel Avenue at about 3 a.m. on Dec. 25. The victims — the woman and her children, ages 10 and 15 — were found inside a car with multiple bullet holes. The mother was taken to UC Medical Center, and the children were taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Police described their injuries as not life-threatening. Detectives are still working to establish a motive and the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims. The case moved quickly on Christmas Day as officers collected evidence at the scene and canvassed the neighborhood for witnesses or video.
Neighbors reported hearing an argument and then a burst of shots, with one resident recalling the car horn blaring as officers arrived. Investigators said no 911 calls were made before the response, which began when ShotSpotter alerted officers to gunfire in the area. Police identified the suspect as James Brown, 58. Brown was taken into custody later that day and booked on three counts of felonious assault. As of Thursday, police had not publicly released details on a possible motive. Officials said evidence indicates the shots were fired at the car while the family was inside.
Court records reviewed by reporters show prior cases involving Brown and the same woman dating to 2022 that were later dismissed. Police also noted Brown’s lengthy arrest record, including past allegations of assault and domestic violence. City data show 19 shootings have been recorded in the West End this year, five fewer than at the same time last year. The Christmas morning attack added fresh urgency to ongoing patrols and outreach in the neighborhood, which sits west of downtown and is bordered by major streets and interstate ramps.
On Friday morning, Brown appeared in Hamilton County Municipal Court, where a judge set bonds totaling $900,000. Prosecutors told the court the woman and both children were shot while inside the vehicle. Defense counsel said details remain in dispute and did not address motive in the brief hearing. A grand jury review is expected by Jan. 5 to determine whether the case proceeds to felony prosecution. Detectives are continuing to gather statements, process the car that was towed from the scene, and review any security footage from homes and nearby businesses.
The block around Central and Kindel remained quiet Friday as residents swept up shattered glass and pointed out bullet strikes on parked cars and nearby walls. “You don’t want to hear that happened to a mom and kids,” said Henry Johnson, who lives near the intersection. Another neighbor, Monica Maynard, said she heard at least eight shots, then the horn sounding continuously until police arrived. Many in the area expressed relief after the arrest but said they’re waiting for more answers about why the shooting happened.
As of Friday afternoon, police said the mother and both children were stable at local hospitals. Investigators plan to release additional updates after the grand jury review set for Jan. 5. The department said it is still collecting information from anyone who was in the area around 3 a.m. on Christmas morning.
Author note: Last updated December 26, 2025.