Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announces charges against Michael Talley for aggravated murder and other related charges

Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Michael Talley (DOB: 02/20/1975) for the August 29th murder of a fellow patron at the Cruise Inn in Forest Park.

Johnson was indicted for one (1) count of Aggravated Murder (Special Felony) with firearm specifications, two (2) counts of Murder (Special Felony) with firearm specifications, one (1) count of Felonious Assault (Felony 2) with firearm specification, and two (2) counts of Having Weapons While Under Disability (Felony 3). If convicted on all charges, Talley faces the possibility of lifetime imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

On August 29th, 2024 at approximately 10:05 PM Forest Park Police were dispatched for reports of a person shot at the Cruise Inn, located at 695 Northland Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators from Forest Park Police were able to obtain surveillance video from the Cruise Inn which captured the shooting. In the footage, Talley is seen concealing a firearm under his shirt and sitting at a table near the front of the establishment. Talley waits for several minutes until the victim approaches and is then seen calling the victim over to him. After a brief conversation, Talley produces the firearm and fires five shots at the victim. Following the shooting, Talley exits the bar and leaves the scene in his motor vehicle.

Police were able to identify the vehicle in question and determine that it was registered to Talley. Further investigation confirmed Talley to be the person seen on the surveillance video firing the shots that killed the victim. Talley is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple previous convictions, including a prior Aggravated Robbery. At the time of the offense, Talley was on probation for a February 2024 conviction for Having Weapons While Under Disability.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “I want to commend the Forest Park Police Department on their quick and thorough investigation in this matter.

This was a cold-blooded, premeditated killing in a public space. This kind of brazen violence cannot and will not be tolerated in our community.

I am especially troubled by the fact that this defendant was out on probation for carrying a firearm illegally when this killing occurred. He has been previously convicted of this same offense multiple times and, despite that, was still allowed back out onto our streets in February. A person with a history of violence who continues to illegally carry firearms should not be given a sentence of community control. Ever.

This is why I will continue to speak up and speak out against soft and lenient sentences for repeat, violent offenders. We are all less safe when people who refuse to follow the law do not receive appropriate consequences for their actions.”