The man accused of killing a 25-year-old CityBird employee at Cincinnati’s Fountain Square has been formally indicted by a Hamilton County grand jury, according to newly released court documents.
Prosecutors said 36-year-old Christopher Shipman now faces charges including aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault following the May 8 shooting death of Darius Wheeler.
The shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. near the CityBird restaurant at Fountain Square Plaza. Cincinnati police said Wheeler suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation and later died at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Shipman was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
The case quickly drew public attention because the shooting happened in one of downtown Cincinnati’s busiest public gathering spaces. Mayor Aftab Pureval called the violence unacceptable and said the city would continue working with law enforcement to improve public safety downtown. According to reports from the Cincinnati Enquirer and WLWT, investigators believe the dispute involved what prosecutors described as a “common girlfriend.”
Fountain Square shooting indictment details
Hamilton County prosecutors formally presented the case to a grand jury this week. Court filings show Shipman pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and remains held on a $500,000 bond, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Prosecutors requested restrictions that prevent Shipman from contacting Wheeler’s family or possessing firearms while the case proceeds.
According to arrest records cited by FOX19 and WHIO, investigators allege Shipman fired multiple shots during the confrontation. Police said Wheeler attempted to run away after the initial gunfire but was struck again. Authorities have not publicly released surveillance footage or additional forensic evidence connected to the case…