Cincinnati, OH – A quiet Tuesday night turned tragic when a 23-year-old man was fatally shot inside a Papa Johns pizza restaurant in West Price Hill, prompting a swift arrest and leaving local residents reeling from the violence.
The incident occurred around 10:55 p.m. on December 9, 2025, at the establishment located on West 8th Street. Authorities arrived to find the victim, identified as Nawaf Althawadi, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, Althawadi was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homicide investigators quickly apprehended 21-year-old Murphy Tilk at the location, charging him with murder in connection to the shooting. Police have not released details on the motive or the relationship between the victim and suspect, and it remains unclear whether either individual was an employee of the restaurant.
The Cincinnati Police Department is continuing its investigation, with officials urging anyone with information to come forward. This event has heightened concerns in the West Price Hill neighborhood, known for its community-oriented vibe, as residents process the sudden act of gun violence in a familiar local spot.
As tributes for Althawadi begin to emerge online, the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short, calling for greater efforts to address urban safety. Updates on the case are expected as the legal process unfolds.
