A Hamilton County jury delivered a not‑guilty verdict Friday for Antwoine McCants, who had been charged last June with murder and felonious assault after a deadly shooting outside the Shake Shack restaurant in the Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati.
Background of the incident
According to investigators, the confrontation began when McCants and his wife argued with Christopher Stallworth’s girlfriend over a parking space outside the restaurant. The girlfriend allegedly called Stallworth, who arrived shortly thereafter. McCants testified that he believed Stallworth was coming to confront him and that Stallworth reached into his pocket for a gun as the two faced each other.
McCants admitted to firing the weapon, stating he acted in self‑defense because he felt his life was in danger. Stallworth was shot in the chest and later died at the scene.
The trial and verdict
The trial included video footage from inside the Shake Shack, giving jurors a first‑hand view of how the shooting unfolded. After receiving the case around 1 p.m. on Friday, the jury deliberated for approximately three and a half hours before reaching a unanimous not‑guilty decision on all four counts, including murder and felonious assault.
Prosecutors had argued that the shooting was not justified and that McCants’ claim of self‑defense was unsupported by the evidence. Defense counsel emphasized the chaotic nature of the parking‑lot dispute and the perceived threat to McCants’ safety.
Community reaction
The verdict has sparked mixed reactions among Clifton residents. Some expressed relief that the jury considered the circumstances surrounding the altercation, while others voiced concern over the loss of Christopher Stallworth and called for continued focus on public safety in the area.
Local law‑enforcement officials declined to comment further on the case, noting that the investigation remains closed following the jury’s decision.
What’s next
With the not‑guilty verdict, McCants is free to resume his daily life, though the incident continues to be a point of discussion among community members and local leaders who are evaluating ways to improve parking safety and conflict de‑escalation around popular dining establishments.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
