A fight over tattoo money in a Westwood home has now landed a 17-year-old in adult court on murder charges after prosecutors say he shot and killed 19-year-old Noah Thornhill.
A Hamilton County grand jury returned the indictment on April 7, 2026, formally moving the case into adult court.
The Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office says the teen was bound over to adult court and indicted on two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon and two firearm specifications. Prosecutors say he faces up to life in prison, as reported by WCPO.
What police say
Cincinnati police say officers were called around 10:06 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2025, to the 3300 block of Boudinot Avenue, where they found Thornhill suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and later died, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.
How prosecutors say the argument turned deadly
According to prosecutors, the teen was at the Westwood home with a friend and the friend's girlfriend, who was getting a tattoo. An argument broke out over how the tattoo would be paid for, and during that dispute, the teen allegedly shot Thornhill, who was the tattoo artist's brother, as reported by WCPO.
Arrest and probe
Cincinnati's Homicide Unit arrested a 17-year-old on Nov. 8, 2025, on an open murder warrant in connection with the shooting, with Colerain Township police assisting, according to WLWT. The suspect has been held at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Center while investigators continue to seek tips.
What's next
With the teen now bound over to adult court, prosecutors will pursue the case in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, where upcoming filings will determine whether the matter heads to trial. Future court dates and documents will appear in public records as the case moves forward.
Westwood context
The killing has added to concerns about a recent string of violent incidents in Westwood that local outlets have tracked in recent months. Hoodline has previously covered other Westwood shootings and community reaction, underscoring ongoing worries about public safety in the neighborhood, as noted in coverage of other Westwood shootings.
