North Olmsted 18-year-old charged with murder after shooting brother; attorney cites self-defense

The shooting happened Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.

The shooting was at a home on Lucydale in North Olmsted.

Ameen Farraj is an 18-year-old from North Olmsted.

The dead man is 22-year-old Abdulla Farraj of North Olmsted.

North Olmsted police say Ameen Farraj shot Abdulla Farraj.

Ameen Farraj shot Abdulla Farraj once in the abdomen and chest.

911 callers and Ameen Farraj's attorney said Abdulla Farraj had been hitting or attacking their mother.

Ameen Farraj's sister told 911 that Ameen was protecting her, their mother, and a cousin.

Ameen Farraj told a 911 dispatcher he had to shoot his brother.

Ameen Farraj told 911 his brother was trying to attack their mother.

Ameen Farraj's sister was also on the phone with 911 at the same time.

Abdulla Farraj was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

The mother was taken to a hospital after being struck in the face.

Ameen Farraj is charged with murder, a first-degree felony.

Ameen Farraj was arraigned Thursday in Rocky River Municipal Court.

Magistrate Joseph Grandinetti set bond at $1 million.

If released, Ameen Farraj would have to wear a GPS monitor.

Ameen Farraj is being held at the North Olmsted jail.

If convicted, Ameen Farraj faces 15 years to life and a fine of up to $15,000.

Attorney Issa Elkhatib asked for a lower bond, saying Ameen Farraj is no danger to the community.

Elkhatib said Ameen Farraj has no criminal history.

Elkhatib said the shooting was self-defense and defense of others.

Elkhatib said Abdulla Farraj had a long history of violence toward family members.

Elkhatib said Abdulla Farraj had schizophrenia.

Elkhatib said that if Ameen Farraj had not acted, more than one person might have been killed.