Gabriel Ventura, a 20-year-old man from Cincinnati, was found shot to death on West McMillan Street in Clifton Heights on August 20, 2021, around 11 p.m. The Cincinnati Police Department identified him as the victim and opened an investigation; no suspects were named immediately.

A grand jury later indicted Phoenix Deck on aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, aggravated robbery, and aggravated burglary, and police believe Deck shot and killed Gabriel at the scene. The incident also involved another man and a woman who were listed as victims of felonious assault and kidnapping. Deck was not in custody at the time of the indictment, and investigators sought to identify additional subjects seen on surveillance video near the scene.

The shooting’s proximity to the University of Cincinnati prompted a campus safety alert. Gabriel’s death deeply affected his family and community, and authorities continued to pursue leads to bring those responsible to justice. If anyone knew Gabriel or saw activity near West McMillan Street that night, please come forward with information.