No charges in fatal St. Bernard shooting

CINCINNATI - The Hamilton County Grand Jury decided Wednesday to ignore any charges in the shooting death of a man during a confrontation at a St. Bernard home.

Police said on Aug. 3, 60-year-old Ralph Powers shot 20-year-old Jeremy Hibbett after Powers repeatedly told Hibbett to leave his home in the 4200 block of Vine Street. Powers fired one shot at Hibbett outside his home after he continued to ignore requests.

Powers immediately called 911 after the shooting. Hibbett was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead several hours later.

Powers lived at the home with his wife and two stepdaughters, one of whom Hibbett was acquainted with. Powers had numerous problems in the past with Hibbett and had called the police many times to remove Hibbett from the property.

"Ralph Powers has no criminal record and was protecting his property and family," Prosecutor Joe Deters said. "I am sure this was a traumatic event for everyone involved. However, a man placed in this situation should not face criminal charges. I could not agree more with the jury's decision."

Powers is a military veteran with a master's degree.