Kristian Kiflemariam Araya, 26, was found shot to death on February 18, 2022, in the 5400 block of Bluebird Lane in Cincinnati’s Mt. Airy neighborhood. The Cincinnati Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded and opened an investigation into the fatal shooting.

Investigators arrested Kristian’s brother, 29-year-old Filimon Kiflemariam Araya, and charged him with murder. Filimon was taken into custody shortly after the incident and was ordered held on $250,000 bond while the investigation continued; his attorney argued the shooting may have been an act of self-defense.

The case drew attention because the suspect and victim were siblings and because questions remain about the circumstances and motive. Anyone with information about Kristian’s death or who saw activity in the Mt. Airy area on February 18, 2022, is asked to come forward.