Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich announces the indictment of Mordecia Black in the death of Patrick Heringer.

Black, 38. was indicted on 14 charges: three counts of aggravated murder, five counts of murder, three counts of felonious assault, aggravated burglary, burglary, and trespassing into a habitation. He faces at a maximum, life in prison without the possibility of parole.

At around 4:30 a.m. on June 4, Black trespassed into the East McMicken Avenue home of a couple who lived in Over-the-Rhine. Black was armed with a knife. When homeowner Patrick Heringer confronted Black, Black fatally stabbed Heringer and fled the scene. Heringer died protecting his family and the love of his life.



Black was arrested on June 5. He is being held in the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $2,250,000 bond.

“The Heringers did everything society asked of them,” Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said. “They followed the law. They invested and lived in the urban core. They are beloved members of the Downtown and Over-the-Rhine communities. Mordecia Black coldly, and ruthlessly, murdered Patrick Heringer in Patrick’s own home as Patrick tried to protect his wife, Sarah. Black should never see another day of freedom.”

Black violated the conditions of his post release control by cutting off his ankle monitor. He had served over eight years in prison. He fled from state oversight, showing his complete lack of regard for the law.

“Last week, I met with Sarah Heringer and expressed my condolences,” Pillich said. “Sarah is courageous to speak out. I promise to work with her to help resolve the obvious holes in our system - specifically in detection and apprehension of the violent criminals walking among us.”