Brothers Charged in Fatal Downtown Cincinnati Drive-By Shooting

Authorities say the brothers stole a truck and swapped its license plate before the attack.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Two brothers, Phillip Shaw and Robert Shaw, have been charged in connection with a fatal drive-by shooting in downtown Cincinnati last October. Prosecutors allege the brothers stole a truck from Kentucky, swapped its license plate, and then waited for the victim to leave a bar before opening fire, killing him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of gun violence and repeat offenders in Cincinnati, as well as the use of stolen vehicles and license plates to carry out crimes. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether enough is being done to keep dangerous individuals off the streets.

The details

According to authorities, Phillip Shaw, 41, and his brother Robert Shaw, 50, stole a truck from Kentucky and swapped its license plate before the October 17th shooting. They then allegedly waited for the victim, Justin Johnson, to leave a downtown bar before Robert Shaw pulled up alongside Johnson's car and fired 23 shots, killing him. Phillip Shaw is charged with theft, felonious assault and aggravated murder, while Robert Shaw faces multiple counts including aggravated murder. Robert Shaw was out on bond and wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the shooting for a previous illegal gun possession charge.

  • On October 17, 2025, the shooting occurred around 2 a.m. in downtown Cincinnati, just hours after a Cincinnati Bengals home game.
  • On October 23, 2025, Robert Shaw was indicted for his role in the shooting.
  • On March 11, 2026, Phillip Shaw was arrested for his involvement in the shooting.
  • On March 13, 2026, Phillip Shaw appeared in court and had his bond set at $1 million.

The players

Phillip Shaw

A 41-year-old man charged with theft, felonious assault and aggravated murder for his role in the fatal drive-by shooting.

Robert Shaw

The 50-year-old brother of Phillip Shaw, who is charged with aggravated murder and multiple other counts for allegedly carrying out the drive-by shooting.

Justin Johnson

The 32-year-old victim who was fatally shot in the October 17th drive-by attack.

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What they’re saying

“There were approximately two guns fired and around 23 shots were fired in total.”

— Melinda Rinehart, Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor (cincinnati.com)

“Phillip Shaw lived with his mother in College Hill. He said Phillip Shaw's last conviction was in 2012.”

— Ben Ranz, Public Defender (cincinnati.com)

What’s next

The judge in Phillip Shaw's case will decide on March 25 whether or not to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger measures to keep repeat offenders with violent histories off the streets and prevent gun violence in Cincinnati. It also underscores the importance of closing loopholes that allow criminals to use stolen vehicles and plates to carry out crimes.