CINCINNATI, OH – An early morning shooting on Christmas Day in Cincinnati’s West End left a mother and her two daughters injured, and authorities say the man accused in the attack now claims he fired in self-defense. James Brown, 58, is facing three counts of felony assault in connection with the incident as investigators work to piece together what transpired along Central Avenue.

The violence unfolded just before 3 a.m. on December 25, when officers responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of Central Avenue and Kindel Avenue. When police arrived, they found a 36-year-old woman and her daughters, ages 10 and 15, suffering from gunshot wounds inside their vehicle. Emergency responders rushed the mother to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, while the girls were transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Authorities say all three victims are expected to recover from injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Neighbors reported waking to the sounds of shouting and multiple gunshots in the predawn darkness. Several residents said they heard what sounded like a heated argument just before the shooting erupted. One neighbor recalled hearing the blare of a car horn, speculating the injured mother was pressing it as a desperate plea for help in the aftermath.

In the moments following the gunfire, witnesses observed a silver Chevrolet Impala speeding away from the scene, according to police. Investigators quickly identified Brown as a suspect and took him into custody later that day.

Initially, law enforcement said they were unable to determine whether Brown knew the victims or why the shooting occurred. However, court records have since revealed that Brown and the mother had crossed paths before, with four prior assault cases involving the same woman since 2022. In each of those previous instances, charges were dismissed.

At Brown’s arraignment the day after the shooting, the defense attorney argued that Brown’s actions were in response to gunfire from someone inside the victims’ car. According to the defense, Brown fired back only after shots were first aimed at him.

Prosecutors pushed back, highlighting Brown’s prior run-ins with the justice system. According to their statements in court, his criminal record includes charges of assault, domestic violence, and aggravated menacing, painting a picture of a man with a history of violent encounters.

Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Brad Greenberg ordered Brown held on $900,000 bond as the investigation continued. Brown is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Authorities say the case will now be presented to a grand jury, which will decide whether formal charges will proceed. As the process unfolds, the West End neighborhood remains shaken by the holiday violence, with many residents anxious for answers.