A Cincinnati mother is facing serious charges after police say a heated argument at her home turned violent and left the father of her children with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
The confrontation reportedly unfolded Saturday inside the residence. According to WKRC, court documents filed in Hamilton County Municipal Court allege that Yomaris Powers opened a bedroom door, pointed a handgun and fired a single round that struck the father of her children in the shoulder.
Investigators say the wounded man fled the home in a neighbor’s car before getting medical treatment. Officers arrested Powers at the scene on Sunday. She is charged with felonious assault and domestic violence.
What the charges mean
Under Ohio law, felonious assault makes it a crime to knowingly cause serious physical harm or to attempt to cause physical harm to another person with a deadly weapon, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. The offense is a felony, and potential penalties depend on the level of injury, circumstances of the case and any firearm specifications that may apply.
Broader context
Advocates and reporters have long warned that domestic disputes involving guns can turn deadly in a matter of seconds. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network recorded a 37% jump in domestic violence fatalities over a recent 12-month span, and WCPO reports that Hamilton County accounted for 11 of those deaths, most of them tied to shootings.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Survivors seeking support, safety planning or someone to talk to can reach out to Women Helping Women’s 24/7 crisis line at 513-381-5610 (Women Helping Women), or the YWCA Hamilton County hotline at 888-872-9259 (YWCA of Greater Cincinnati) for options that include shelter, counseling and legal advocacy.
