Bond set for suspect in death of La Salle student

NORTH FAIRMOUNT, OH (FOX19) - Bond was set Tuesday morning for a suspect who is accused of shooting and killing a La Salle high School student.

Dierres Lee, 19, is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $1 million bond.

Officers say Justin Brown, 17, was taken to UC Medical Center on Sunday evening with life-threatening injuries after a shooting in the 1700 block of Carll Street.

Authorities say Brown, a student at La Salle, was shot in the passenger seat of a car just before 9 p.m.

On Monday, La Salle High School revealed Brown had died from his injuries.

"We hold our students and their parents and families in the highest regard, and our hearts and prayers go out to the Brown family," said Principal Tom Luebbe. "In sad times such as these, we come together as a community in support and, at the same time, we want to respect the privacy of Justin's family."

A special mass was held on Monday for Brown. La Salle says counselors will continue to be available for students throughout the week.

Cincinnati Police arrested Lee on Monday in connection with the shooting. He was charged with murder and taken to the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig said during a press conference on Tuesday that Brown and three of his friends went to buy marijuana and the shooting occurred after the drug transaction.

"We're confident we have the person responsible," said Craig.

Craig said Lee had three cases of disorderly conduct as a juvenile and criminal damaging and assault charges as an adult, which were dismissed.

Brown was a senior honor roll student at La Salle. Police say he had no prior record.

Assistant Police Chief Paul Humphries, who knew the victim well, said he was not a bad kid, but he made a stupid decision.

Visitation for Brown will be held on Saturday in the LaSalle High School cafeteria at 9 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the school's gym.

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