Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the murder indictment of Dashaun Jones. Jones has been charged with Murder (SF), four counts of Felonious Assault (F2), and one count of Carrying Concealed Weapons (F4). If convicted on all charges, Jones faces the maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

On May 29, 2022, following an altercation at the Taste of Cincinnati, Jones, a known gang member, exited a black Volvo and began firing shots. One victim was grazed by a bullet and survived. Jerome Lipscomb was struck and was killed.

Last year, Jerome Lipscomb was charged with Felonious Assault for his involvement in the shooting of another juvenile. Cincinnati Police officers were nearby and heard shots fired. As they ran towards the scene, officers witnessed Lipscomb standing over the victim, shooting him. Lipscomb stood trial in front of Judge Kari Bloom. Although the victim was not cooperative, the officer testified that he witnessed Lipscomb shoot the victim. Despite this testimony, Judge Bloom found Lipscomb not guilty and he was released from custody.

Months later, Lipscomb himself would be shot and killed.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters commented, “This is becoming a systemic problem in Juvenile Court. Any parent understands that children must be appropriately punished for their bad behavior. When you’re talking about kids running around and shooting people – the stakes are even higher.

Treating violent juveniles with kid gloves, and allowing them to walk free after committing serious offenses is not compassion; it is not good for the community; and it certainly is not good for the juvenile defendant.”