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Springdale police ID stabbing victim; following 'leads'

Patrick Brennan, and Henry Molski
Cincinnati

The investigation continues and police are still seeking answers after one man was killed and four juveniles were injured in a stabbing incident early Thursday morning.

On Friday Springdale police released the name of the man killed in the incident. Emilio Ramirez was announced as the deceased. Police added on Friday morning that officials were following "several leads" in the investigation, but needed more help from the public.

Police originally responded to a call at about 12:30 a.m. at The Willows of Springdale apartment complex on Chesterfield Drive near Interstate 275.

In a 911 tape obtained by The Enquirer, a caller had trouble communicating with a dispatcher, but said two men appeared to be involved.

"Hello? Hello? Help me," the caller said. "I'm sorry, I don't speak much English."

At the scene, police entered an apartment unit with loud music and found victims there, said Springdale police Lt. Rick Neumann.

The four injured juveniles ranged in age from "young to teenager," Neumann said.

Investigators kept a crime scene larger than 100-yards wide taped off for most of Thursday while the scene was inspected. Few additional details were available Thursday afternoon.

Authorities initially said they were looking for two male suspects, but police later indicated they weren't certain how many people were involved in the stabbings or what a possible motive might be. Authorities brought in bloodhounds to help search nearby woods and yards. Springdale police said they were also maintaining a beefed-up presence at the The Willows of Springdale apartment complex, which they said was in a usually safe residential area.

An employee of the complex said police hadn't yet discussed the case with its managers.

"I don't recommend anybody live here," said resident Teresa Brown, who has lived in The Willows of Springdale for about a year. "Me and my kids hate living here. We absolutely hate it.

"Kids absolutely can't play outside here at all. Every morning they have to sweep off the basketball court for glass and broken bottles."

Edwin Gonzales, a resident at the apartment complex, said he was surprised to walk out of his building to find an active crime scene on his way to work.

"I didn't hear anything last night," Gonzales said. "I have children, so yes this is surprising ... Sometimes there's noise late at night when the factory workers get home - there's a lot of them here."

The deceased male was taken to UC's West Chester Hospital, dispatchers confirmed, but it is unclear when he succumbed to the stab wounds.

The four juveniles were taken to Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center, dispatchers said.

At least 15 evidence markers were placed around the complex -- each marked blood.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Scene of a stabbing at Willows of Springdale Apartments Thursday morning. Five were stabbed, including children.