The retrial of former Ohio sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade, who was charged with murder in the killing of 23-year-old Black man Casey Goodson Jr., has been scheduled for October 31. Goodson was one of several Black individuals killed by white law enforcement in Ohio over the past decade, leading to national outrage and calls for police reform. Meade’s first trial ended in a mistrial in February after the jury could not reach a verdict, and four jurors were dismissed during the tumultuous proceedings. Special prosecutors have decided to move forward with another trial, stating that it is in the best interest of all involved and the community.
Meade has been charged with murder and reckless homicide in the December 2020 killing of Goodson in Columbus. He has pleaded not guilty, and his defense team believes that the decision to pursue another trial is due to political pressure from local elected officials. Meade shot Goodson six times, including five times in the back, as Goodson was trying to enter his grandmother’s home. Meade claimed that Goodson had waved a gun at him while driving past, prompting him to pursue Goodson out of fear for his life and the safety of others. He stated that he shot Goodson in the doorway of his grandmother’s home when Goodson turned towards him with a gun.
Goodson’s family and prosecutors have contested Meade’s version of events, stating that Goodson was holding a sandwich bag and keys in his hands when he was shot. They acknowledge that Goodson may have been carrying a gun, but highlight that he had a license to carry a firearm. Goodson’s handgun with an extended magazine was found on his grandmother’s kitchen floor with the safety engaged. The lack of body camera footage from Meade means there is no visual evidence of the shooting, and prosecutors emphasized during the first trial that Meade was the only one who testified that Goodson had a gun.
The case of Casey Goodson Jr.’s killing has brought attention to the issue of police violence against Black individuals in Ohio and the need for accountability and reform within law enforcement. The upcoming retrial of Jason Meade will be closely watched by advocates for racial justice and police accountability. The trial is set to begin on October 31, and it remains to be seen how the proceedings will unfold and what the outcome will be. The family of Casey Goodson Jr. continues to seek justice for the young man who was fatally shot in his grandmother’s doorway, and the community awaits a resolution to this tragic incident.
