Trial for man identified as victim and suspect in viral Cincinnati brawl continued
By Karin Johnson
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CINCINNATI (WLWT) — The trial for Alex Tchervinski, the man identified as both a victim and suspect in the viral downtown Cincinnati brawl last summer, has been continued.
The trial, initially scheduled for last month, was set to start Monday but was continued again at the City Solicitor’s request.
Prosecutors say one of their witnesses didn’t show up because he fears for his safety.
A new date has been set for Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.
Tchervinski is the man behind the slap in this past summer’s downtown assault. His attorney says it was self defense.
He is facing charges of disorderly conduct.
Defense attorney Doug Brannon previously told WLWT in August, “Alex himself sustained over 28 blows to his head, face area. He was brutally beaten in this instance.”
Brannon added, “I think he is being victimized now for a second time. He was not only brutally beaten and robbed during the assault, he’s now being prosecuted when he was attempting to defend himself and his friends.”
WLWT Investigates obtained videos that provide insight into the events of that July morning. The footage shows a group of people gathered at the corner of 4th and Elm, with Tchervinski, dressed in white, being pushed. The crowd moves into the intersection, and Tchervinski is seen kicking a white SUV. Although there is no audio, the video captures a scuffle with punches being thrown, leading to Tchervinski’s infamous slap.
The video also shows Tchervinski being thrown to the ground, stomped on, and kicked repeatedly by multiple people.
Court filings indicate that Tchervinski will argue self-defense.
According to the filings, city prosecutors could call interim Cincinnati police Chief Adam Hennie, a representative from 3CDC, and a local business owner who recorded the fight.
Meanwhile, the defense’s witness list includes Tchervinski and five others identified as victims, including one publicly known only as “Holly,” who suffered severe injuries during the brawl. The list also includes Hennie, two Cincinnati police detectives and an FBI confidential informant.
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