CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late last night at a Papa John’s in West Price Hill, involving Murphy Tilk and Nawaf Althawadi, an incident that has left 23-year-old Althawadi dead and 21-year-old Tilk facing murder charges.
The shooting took place inside the restaurant, where officers responded to reports of gunfire. When police arrived, they found Althawadi suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have charged Tilk in connection with the shooting. He was taken into custody and is currently being held without bond, with a no-bond hearing scheduled for Saturday.
Investigators have not released details about what led up to the shooting, including whether the individuals knew each other or what may have triggered the violence. Police say the motive remains under active investigation.
The incident has shaken the West Price Hill community, with residents expressing fear, sadness, and frustration over another life lost to gun violence. Friends and loved ones of Althawadi have begun sharing messages of grief and remembrance, describing him as a kind and hardworking young man whose life was cut tragically short.
Police continue to process the scene, review surveillance footage, and interview potential witnesses in hopes of piecing together exactly what happened inside the restaurant. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation.
As the legal process moves forward, the Cincinnati community is left grappling with the loss of a young life and renewed calls for answers, accountability, and peace in neighborhoods impacted by violence.
More information will be released as the investigation develops
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