Former deputy convicted of reckless homicide for shooting Black man as he entered his grandmother’s home.
A former sheriff’s deputy, Jason Meade, has been found guilty of reckless homicide for the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr. in Columbus, Ohio, in December 2020. This trial concluded on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around police conduct and accountability, particularly in cases involving the use of lethal force against Black individuals.
The incident that led to the trial occurred when Goodson was seen approaching his grandmother’s house carrying sandwiches. Meade, who is white, claimed the shooting was justified, alleging that he saw Goodson holding a firearm and turning toward him. However, no witnesses corroborated Meade’s assertion that Goodson was armed at the time of the shooting, and a lack of video evidence further complicated the defense’s case.
During the trial, jurors deliberated on a more severe murder charge but ultimately could not reach a consensus, leading to a mistrial on that specific count. Meade had previously faced a mistrial in his first murder trial. The conviction for reckless homicide makes him the second law enforcement officer in Ohio to be convicted for the killing of a Black man since the nationwide protests sparked by George Floyd’s death.
Prosecutors presented evidence that challenged Meade’s narrative, asserting that Goodson was not holding a gun when he was shot multiple times in the back and side. Eyewitnesses, including local resident Christopher Corne, testified that Goodson appeared calm, enjoying music, and actively engaging with his surroundings as he drove just prior to the encounter. Furthermore, the gun in question was allegedly secured in a holder under Goodson’s belt, found only after he suffered fatal injuries.
Following the verdict, prosecutors expressed satisfaction with the guilty outcome on the lesser charge but indicated uncertainty regarding whether they would pursue a retrial on the murder charge. The case has further intensified public debate on police reform, particularly as protests demanding accountability and systemic changes in law enforcement practices continue in Ohio and beyond. Notably, protests related to Goodson’s death included messages demanding justice, and banners with calls for action were displayed prominently, although officials ordered their removal during the trial proceedings.
Historically, few law enforcement officers in Ohio have faced legal repercussions for similar incidents, with only one notable conviction of a Columbus police officer for killing Andre Hill in 2020. This latest ruling may reflect a slowly changing landscape regarding police accountability in cases of fatal encounters with Black individuals, an issue that has gained considerable attention and scrutiny in recent years.
