COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The murder trial of former sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade, who is accused of fatally shooting Casey Goodson Jr., is nearing its end. Prosecution and defense are expected to deliver closing arguments in the trial on Wednesday.
Goodson, a 23-year-old Black man, was shot by Meade in 2020, leading to the former deputy facing two murder charges and one charge of reckless homicide. Meade stated that he saw Goodson brandish a gun and point it at him while standing at the threshold of his grandmother’s house, prompting him to act in self-defense. However, the state and Goodson’s family argue that Goodson did not point the gun at Meade and that he was listening to music through AirPods when he was shot.
The trial has faced challenges due to the lack of video footage and eyewitnesses to the shooting, leaving the jury to weigh the conflicting accounts of the incident. Meade also testified in his own defense, describing the events leading up to the shooting and claiming he feared for his life.
Additionally, witnesses, including Goodson’s family members and law enforcement experts, have provided testimony that disputes Meade’s version of events, casting doubt on the justification for the use of deadly force. The trial has also revealed details about the circumstances surrounding the presence of the gun and the actions taken by the former deputy.
Meade’s nearly 15-year career as a law enforcement officer, his involvement in a specialized law enforcement unit, and his departure from the force on disability retirement have also been under scrutiny during the trial. The proceedings have drawn attention both locally and nationally, highlighting ongoing discussions about the use of force by law enforcement and the impact of such incidents on communities.