Cincinnati beatdown victim reveals 'very bad brain trauma' in first remarks since viral assault
The woman, identified as Holly, can be seen with visible injuries to her face as she speaks to the camera to provide an update on her condition.
"It's been very, very hard, and I'm still recovering," Holly said in a video posted online. "I still have very bad brain trauma."
"I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for all of the love and support. It is very humbling that you have sent your prayers, your blessings. It's definitely what's keeping me going, and you have just brought back faith and humanity."
Holly declined Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Holly is one of six victims injured in the July 26 brawl, where she was knocked unconscious on the corner of Elm and Fourth Streets. So far, authorities have arrested four of the six alleged assailants, as a fugitive unit is 'actively pursuing' the two additional suspects.
Jermaine Matthews, 39, Dominique Kittle, 37, Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the fight. As of Sunday, Kittle, Merriweather and Vernon remain in custody at the Hamilton County Jail, with Matthews posting bond last week.
Matthews is charged with two counts of felonious assault, one count of misdemeanor assault and one count of aggravated riot. Both Merriweather and Vernon are charged with felonious assault, aggravated riot and assault charges. Kittle is charged with one count of assault.
New footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the moments leading up to the fight, with one of the victims allegedly yelling a racial slur at the group before the violence broke out.
"I did see other fights going on, it was just one of those deals where you got people out drinking and I'm pretty sure drinking had a lot to do with that fight," Jay Black told Fox News Digital. "But it's very unfortunate for the young lady. I pray for her and her family, she was just trying to help out."
Black insisted that, "contrary to what people think," there were "a lot of people" who attempted to intervene.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge revealed that out of the approximately 100 people who witnessed the incident or were involved in the brawl, only one individual called law enforcement.
"Trust me when I say this, had the Cincinnati Police Department been notified in real time, our officers would have responded with urgency and force to protect life," Theetge said at the news conference on Friday.
However, Holly's tearful statement ended with a heartfelt note to those who were sending their well wishes after seeing the shocking footage.
"God bless you all, thank you," Holly said. "I appreciate everything that you're doing for me and my family. It's been very, very hard and I'm still recovering."
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