Killing suspect freed after 2nd bond posted

        A man accused of killing his one-time girlfriend and the woman's unborn fetus is out of jail again.

        Tony Ringer, 30, of Westwood made a $500,000 bond before midnight Friday after being arrested earlier in the day on aggravated murder charges related to the fetus' death.

        Mr. Ringer, a barber whose clientele includes several professional athletes and other wealthy customers, had already been charged with aggravated murder in the Dec. 20 shooting death of Cassandra Betts. She was four to six weeks pregnant.

Cheviot firefighters battle a blaze on Main Street in Addyston Saturday. The fire remains under investigation. The home was a total loss. (Mike Simons photo) | ZOOM |

        Several of Mr. Ringer's customers, including at least one Bengal, helped pay the initial $500,000 bond.

        Another $500,000 bond set Friday was posted by businesspeople and community members.

        “The fact that he made bond is indicative and demonstrative of the public support that he has,” said Mr. Ringer's attorney, Clyde Bennett of West Chester.

        Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen said Mr. Ringer still should be in custody.

        “We can't control who steps forward and posts the bond,” Mr. Allen said Saturday. “We're not happy he's out, but there's not anything we can do about it.”
       

Nine without homes after duplex fire

        ADDYSTON — Nine people were burned out of their homes when a fire ravaged a duplex on Main Street Saturday.

        Delhi Township Fire Captain Jesse Moore said it took more than two hours for firefighters to extinguish the blaze, which began shortly after 4 p.m. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is providing assistance for the families.
       

Passer-by alerts 2 to Mount Adams fire

        A Mount Adams home suffered $150,000 worth of damage Saturday in an early morning, two-alarm fire that could have been deadly.

        Cincinnati Fire officials said that a passer-by noticed the fire in the 1100 block of Carney Street and woke up the two residents, who escaped safely.

        The fire was extinguished by 3 a.m., but required the efforts of 10 companies. Firefighters were slowed by the burning of restored drywall and plaster.
       

Shopkeeper shot in downtown holdup

        A downtown shopkeeper was shot in the neck Saturday during a robbery that went awry, but she was not seriously hurt.

        Cincinnati Police said Se Jung Am, 43, who operates the Downtown Food Shop at 38 E. Court St., struggled with the would-be robber about 11 a.m.

        The gun went off and the bullet hit Ms. Am below the ear. She was taken to University Hospital. Police said she was not seriously hurt.

        No arrests were made.
       

Woodlawn church plans New Year's Eve program

        WOODLAWN — Mount Zion Baptist Church will hold a New Year's Eve Watch Night program at 10 p.m. Sunday.

        The program will feature a presentation by the new pastor, DeQuincy Hentz. All are invited to the service at the church, at 10180 Woodlawn Blvd.

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