Cincinnati Police have made an arrest in the fatal stabbing of an Over-the-Rhine business owner.
Mordecia Black, 38, is accused of breaking into the home of 46-year-old Patrick Heringer during the early hours of June 4 and stabbing him in his neck, according to court records. CPD said officers were dispatched to the home around 4 a.m. where Heringer was found suffering a stab wound. He was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
On June 5, CPD announced Black has been charged with murder and aggravated burglary.
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CPD: Gym Owner Dies from Stabbing in Over-the-Rhine
Heringer is a well-known fitness instructor and U.S. Army veteran in Cincinnati. He and his wife are the co-founders of Findlay Movement, a gym and health facility located by Findlay Market, about a mile away from his home on East McMicken Avenue, according to the business website. Heringer was listed as the director of coaching for the gym.
State records show Black was released from prison in January after serving less than nine years for felony assault and aggravated riot charges. Black and others were convicted for the July 4, 2015 beating of a man at Government Square following a concert at Fountain Square. The assault was originally labeled by police as an “anti-white” hate crime, a label later dropped by the department.
Black was considered wanted and dangerous, stemming from a parole violation at the time of his arrest for Heringer’s murder, according to state records. County records show Black has a long list of other criminal convictions, including drug trafficking and obstructing police.
Black is being held on a combined bond of $2.25 million.
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This article appears in May 28 – Jun 10, 2025.