Nine people caught metal during a birthday party at the Riverfront Live music venue last Sunday. A grand jury in Hamilton County has now turned these bullets into a stack of legal paper against Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29.
Cobb faces 23 state counts, including attempted murder, which could bury him in prison for 98 years. Long faces four counts, including evidence tampering, with a 13.5-year ceiling. Both men already carried federal charges because they weren't supposed to touch triggers after earlier crimes.
"Cobb opened fire after he saw someone he knew across the room." — Connor Wood, Prosecutor.
The Breakdown of Charges
The state has mapped out the night through surveillance glass and witness memory. Cobb and Long were the only two firing inside the crowded room near the Ohio River.
| Person | Primary Charges | State Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Franeek Cobb | Attempted murder, 18 counts of assault, gun in a liquor spot | 98 Years |
| Derrick Long | Evidence tampering, carrying concealed, gun under disability | 13.5 Years |
Franeek Cobb allegedly saw a face from a Grudge and started the noise. He shot Long at close range.
Derrick Long is accused of firing back. He was not in the jail yet for the shooting charges as of the latest court cycle but faces Federal charges alongside Cobb.
The Defense: Cobb’s lawyer, Anna Mallory, claims her client used his gun for Self-defense.
System Failure and Friction
The city's mayor has publicly fought the ritual of bail for these men. Both had prior felony records—Long previously served a single year for five different counts, including stolen goods and gun crimes. The Prior convictions suggest a loop where the law watches but does not stop the trade of iron and lead.
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Cobb walked into his hearing with no look on his face, showing no heat or cold. While the lawyers argue over who started the fire, nine people are recovering from holes in their skin. One victim remains in critical condition.
Background on the Event
The shooting broke out around 1 a.m. in Cincinnati’s East End. The venue was packed for a celebration when the argument turned into a crossfire.
Police used a city database to track the victims, one of whom was 29.
Marsy’s Law has been used to hide whether the suspects themselves were among the nine wounded.
Both men were arrested Monday, roughly 24 hours after the club emptied in a panic.