The victim’s family called the plea deal a “slap in the face.”
Herschel Palmore III, 28, will serve 9.5 to 13.5 years in prison.
CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A man who previously claimed self-defense in a deadly stabbing sparked by a sports argument pleaded guilty in court on Monday, April 20.
Herschel Palmore III, 28, received a sentence of 9.5 to 13.5 years in prison after accepting a plea deal that convicted him of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.
Cincinnati police said Palmore killed 21-year-old Dontarius Tre’Von Caldwell in the middle of Franklin Avenue in Bond Hill on Oct. 12, 2025.
Court documents state that Palmore and Caldwell were playing video games while discussing sports in an online group chat when the conversation escalated into a heated argument about the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos. Palmore later texted his address to Caldwell, inviting him over.
When Caldwell arrived, prosecutors said Palmore came outside “to engage in a fight” and stabbed him with a kitchen knife, killing him.
Palmore’s attorney, Brandon Fox, said his client held the knife at his side to deter Caldwell from fighting him.
“As he described to the detectives, the reason that he did this was the hopes of scaring this individual off … and the hopes was to not have a fight. The fight ensued, and unfortunately, the knife was used in the fight. And Mr. Palmore and everyone here lost someone very important to them,” Fox told Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Jennifer Branch.
Palmore and Caldwell were friends, and Fox said his client is “extremely remorseful” for what happened.
“I sincerely apologize for what I have done,” Palmore said, holding back tears.
Cincinnati police are investigating a fatal stabbing in Bond Hill Sunday afternoon.
Fox added that Palmore had a difficult upbringing and struggled with mental health challenges, as well as the emotional impact of multiple family murders, including his father’s death.
“In 2017, Herschel was the victim of a home invasion where three of his friends and his cousin were murdered in front of him,” Fox told Judge Branch. “Luckily, he survived, but the pain of what he witnessed and suffered that day continued on.”
Fox acknowledged that his client’s past does not excuse his actions but offers context for how he ended up in this situation.
“There is no good outcome”: Families speak out before sentencing
Both families have previously lost loved ones to violence.
Caldwell’s grandmother, Sharlee Ferrell, said the loss has been devastating, as she continues to grieve both her grandson and her only son, who was killed in 2023.
“And that’s just another reason why this is so devastating for me and my family,” Ferrell told the court.
She described Caldwell as a hardworking young man who supported his family and enjoyed cars, basketball, video games, and social media.
“But I never dreamed up that all this social media would get him killed,” she said.
Ferrell called the plea deal “unjust” and said it felt like a “slap in the face” to her family.
“My grandson’s life meant a whole lot more than this. I just hope he’ll come out a better person because this is a travesty … this is just not right and it’s not fair,” she said.
Palmore’s grandparents, who also lost a son to violence, spoke in court and asked for a fair sentence.
“On behalf of my grandson, he is a good person. Unfortunately, this thing happened—we don’t know why,” his grandfather said. “We tried to do the best for him. It was never a pity party, it was get out on ethics and do what you have to do.”
Judge Jennifer Branch said she believed Palmore showed remorse and considered his “traumatic” past, while also recognizing the pain experienced by Caldwell’s family.
“From my perspective, there is no good outcome here today,” she said.
She imposed the recommended sentence of 9.5 to 13.5 years in prison and credited Palmore with 190 days already served.
After completing his prison term, Palmore must serve 2.5 years of post-release control.
Leave a Comment