Loved ones of man killed in Hamilton FOP Lodge stabbing says family was involved in cartel

HAMILTON — One person is dead and three others are injured after a quadruple stabbing in Hamilton late Saturday night.

Hamilton Police told our news partners at WCPO that they received reports of a shooting around 10:26 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 38 and Event Center on Joe Nuxhall Way.

Upon arrival, officers found one man, later identified as Ivan Israel Diaz, 20, dead after having been stabbed. Three others were stabbed and taken to a hospital, but are expected to recover.

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Investigators said a private quinceanera was being hosted at the lodge when two men, Juan and Oscar Flores, arrived uninvited. Detectives named both men as persons of interest related to the incident.

At one point, a gun was fired in the area, but it is unknown if anyone was struck by gunfire.

The victims were targeted, according to Hamilton Police.

Guanajuato, Mexico’s immigration secretary confirmed Diaz was from the state. WCPO reported that the Diaz’s loved ones told journalist Ivan Riviera that the his family was involved in the cartel drug trade and he had ran to Ohio with two of his cousins in hopes of escaping the violence. They told the journalist they believe the he was killed by a cartel hitman.

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Anyone with information about Juan and Oscar Flores’ location or about the incident is asked to call 513-868-5811 ext. 2002. WCOP reported that a reward is being offered for information.

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