In a tragic story that’s captured national attention, a woman who was violently attacked during a street brawl in downtown Cincinnati is now speaking publicly for the first time—revealing that she’s battling severe brain trauma as she continues her difficult road to recovery.
The woman, identified only as Holly, was left badly injured after the disturbing incident, which was caught on video and widely shared online.
She and an unidentified man were assaulted during what police have described as a coordinated street fight.
“It’s Been Very, Very Hard,” Says Holly
Still bruised and healing, Holly recorded an emotional message thanking the public for their support.
“I want to say thank you to everyone for all of the love and support,” she said.
“It’s definitely what’s keeping me going… You have just brought back faith in humanity.”
She confirmed that she’s suffering from serious brain trauma, and added: “It’s been very, very hard, and I’m still recovering.
I still have a very bad brain trauma. God bless you all. Thank you.”
Support Pours In as Fundraiser Crosses $160,000
Political commentator Benny Johnson helped shine a national spotlight on Holly’s story by sharing the attack video on his X (formerly Twitter) profile.
He also launched an online fundraiser that has already raised $168,000 to help cover her medical and legal expenses.
According to the page, Holly is a single working-class mother who has been forced out of work due to her injuries—and is now living in an undisclosed location because of threats to her safety.
Disturbing Photos Show Extent of Injuries
Images that surfaced earlier this week revealed just how badly Holly was hurt.
Her face was visibly bruised on both sides, her bottom lip was cut, and dark marks could be seen around her neck and upper body—evidence of the brutal assault she endured during the street brawl.
She’s now reportedly suffering from a severe concussion along with hemorrhaging, conditions that will likely require ongoing medical treatment.
Fourth Person Arrested as Investigation Unfolds
Police have arrested a fourth suspect in connection with the incident.
Dominique Kittle, 37, was taken into custody Friday night and charged with felonious assault and aggravated riot.
His bond was set at $150,000 during a court appearance on Saturday.
His lawyer told the court that Kittle suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, according to reports from WLWT.
More Suspects Face Serious Charges
Three others had already been arrested earlier in the week: Jermaine Matthews (39), Montianez Merriweather (34), and Dekyra Vernon (24).
Matthews and Merriweather were initially charged with assault and aggravated riot, but Matthews now faces additional charges—two felonious assault counts and one misdemeanor assault charge.
Detectives believe Merriweather was the “catalyst” behind what they’ve described as a planned and coordinated attack.
New Footage Shows Racial Tensions Escalating
Fresh video evidence, released by Matthews’ attorney, sheds more light on the events leading up to the brawl.
In the footage, one of the men involved—who police say was a victim—can be heard yelling a racial slur, shouting: “Get him! Get that little n*****.”
The video, obtained by The Enquirer, shows two Black men appearing to try to defuse the situation before violence breaks out.
Merriweather’s family also claims he was spat on and called slurs, arguing that the altercation was not a “racist mob attack” but rather separate confrontations fueled by racial provocation.
Lawyer and Police Push Back on Narrative
Matthews’ lawyer Brandon Fox said in a statement: “This was not a Black, racist mob attacking people.
These were separate fights that were triggered by racial slurs that ultimately poured gasoline on the fire.”
His comments highlight a growing divide in how the incident is being perceived, as new footage continues to surface and more information becomes public.
Police Chief Slams Bystanders for Not Calling 911
Amid the uproar, Cincinnati Police Chief Theresa Theetge has publicly condemned those who witnessed the attack but failed to alert authorities.
“Nobody called the police,” she said. “Nobody got us there as quickly as we could get there.
They waited until they saw it on social media. That is unacceptable.”
She added that the fight took place right in front of traffic, in plain view of drivers and passersby.
“People saw this… and they didn’t act. That’s not okay.”