Former deputy found guilty of reckless homicide in shooting of Black man
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Former sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade was found guilty of reckless homicide for the 2020 shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr., a Black man delivering sandwiches to his grandmother’s house in Columbus, Ohio.
- Jurors could not reach a verdict on the more serious murder charge, resulting in a mistrial for that count; sentencing for Meade is scheduled for July 16.
- Meade claimed he shot Goodson because he believed Goodson was armed and threatening him, but no witnesses or video evidence supported this, and the gun was found under Goodson’s body with the safety engaged.
- The case has drawn significant public attention amid ongoing concerns about police violence against Black individuals, and Goodson’s family expressed that the verdict brings some closure while seeking further justice.
- The Fraternal Order of Police expressed disappointment with the verdict and hopes to avoid a third trial, while prosecutors have not yet decided whether to pursue the murder charge again.
