Mother of Suspected Mob Attack in Cincinnati Defends Her Son
Clarissa Meriweather spoke out in defense of her 34-year-old son, Montian Meriweather, during an interview with WLWT-TV. She’s adamant that he should not be labeled as a thug, describing him instead as a dedicated student who makes the Honor Roll and has five children.
This interview took place on Wednesday at the courthouse, where Montian has been charged with felony assault and aggravated riots related to a violent incident over the weekend.
Video evidence reportedly shows Montian involved in an attack, with one of his co-defendants seen hitting the victim while another stomped on him. “It didn’t look like him,” Clarissa remarked. “He participates in school and is a good father.” She expressed her disbelief that he could be involved in something so violent.
According to reports, Montian was arrested on Tuesday after being identified in a video by police. His past includes issues with the law; he faced felony charges stemming from possessing a stolen firearm just weeks earlier.
On July 10, he was charged with various weapon-related offenses, including carrying a concealed weapon. After posting 10% of his $4,000 bond, he was released but faced a new bond of $500,000 regarding the recent mob charges. He remains incarcerated as of Friday.
Cincinnati Police Union President Ken Cober commented that Montian should not have been allowed outside, considering his history. In their inquiry, detectives described him as a key figure—or “catalyst”—in the mob attack that was supposedly planned prior to the incident.
The police claim Montian and another suspect, Jermaine Matthews, were pursuing the victim in a video captured by surveillance cameras. Both men’s defense attorneys argued they were merely reacting to being attacked first.
Additionally, a third individual, 24-year-old Dekyra Vernon, has been charged with similar offenses in connection to the same incident. Their cases are scheduled for trial on August 8.
As investigations continue, the FBI has now stepped in, examining this case as a potential hate crime. Out of the five individuals charged, three have already been taken into custody.
This unfolding situation raises many questions, and community members are watching closely.
