A second suspect is now behind bars in the downtown Cincinnati shooting that killed 34-year-old Justin Johnson on Oct. 17, 2025, and his family says they are determined to keep his memory front and center. His father, Terry Johnson, told reporters the loss still does not feel real and noted that Justin leaves behind a 12-year-old son and a newborn daughter. The arrests have renewed scrutiny of safety around downtown bars and game-night crowds.
Father honors son
Speaking about his son, Terry Johnson did not hide the depth of his grief. “I miss him... I miss grabbing him and holding him,” he said, according to FOX19. Family members told reporters they plan to mark Justin’s birthday each June as a way to remember him.
Arrests and charges
Phillip Shaw, 41, was arrested March 11 and has been indicted on counts that include aggravated murder, multiple murder counts, felonious assault and having weapons while under disability. A judge set his bond at $1 million, according to WLWT. Prosecutors say the two brothers intentionally targeted the victim, court filings show.
In a news release, the Cincinnati Police Department confirmed both arrests, stating that Robert Shaw, 50, was arrested on Oct. 17, 2025, and that investigators took Phillip Shaw into custody on March 11, 2026, according to a press release from the Cincinnati Police Department. The release says the Homicide Unit is continuing the investigation.
What investigators allege
Prosecutors allege the brothers waited outside the In Between Tavern in a truck stolen from Kentucky, swapped license plates and then pulled up alongside Justin Johnson as he got into his car. Officials say they opened fire, with roughly 23 rounds fired in total, according to FOX19. Johnson was found slumped over in a dark gray BMW and was pronounced dead at the scene.
City moves to close bar
The City of Cincinnati has filed a nuisance lawsuit seeking to close the In Between Tavern, alleging the downtown spot has been tied to repeated violent incidents and other violations, per reporting on the city’s move to bench the In Between Tavern. Local outlets note the complaint cites other recent shootings and disorder near Great American Ball Park as reasons city attorneys want the business shuttered.
Legal status
Hamilton County grand-jury indictments charge both men with multiple counts, and court filings show both are previously convicted felons now held at the Hamilton County Justice Center, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Prosecutors have not publicly identified a motive.
The Cincinnati Police Department says the Homicide Unit is still investigating and asks anyone with information to call 513-352-3542, per a release from the Cincinnati Police Department. For now, the Johnson family is preparing memorial plans while criminal and civil actions proceed.
