BY BEN L. KAUFMAN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Four people were charged Monday with felonious aggravated rioting after a sentencing in the Hamilton County Court House.
The melee broke out last week after Common Pleas Judge Thomas Crush sent four black youths to prison for assaulting a white youth at Western Hills High School.
Indicted Monday were Larry Wright, Natasha Holley, Steve Holley and Labrenda Walker.
Mr. Wright, a relative of one of the youths sent to prison, was charged with two counts of intimidating victim witnesses, two of retaliation, inciting violence, inducing panic and aggravated riot. He allegedly threatened the victim, Brendan Rice, and Mr. Rice's mother.
Miss Holley, 18, was charged with inducing panic, aggravated riot and two counts of assault.
Mr. Holley, 25, was charged with assault, inciting violence, inducing panic and aggravated riot.
Miss Walker, 23, was charged with inducing panic and aggravated riot.
All are in jail, awaiting arraignment Friday.
Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Deters said the eruption was unusual. Defendants have reacted violently to hard sentences, he said, "but I have never seen friends and - or family directly threaten a victim in front of the judge. . . . They are going to get no mercy from us."
He said their violent behavior made it easier to understand why Mr. Rice's attackers felt no inhibitions.
