Jury deliberates in murder trial of former Ohio deputy accused of fatally shooting Casey Goodson Jr.
ABC News
Former deputy Jason Meade is charged with two counts of murder and one count of reckless homicide in the 23-year-old Black man's shooting death.
The jury in the murder trial of a former Ohio deputy charged in the shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr. began deliberating Wednesday, following more than two weeks of witness testimony, including from a last minute witness who said he came forward after watching news of the trial.
"Six shots in the back," special prosecutor Tim Merkle told the jury as he began delivering his closing arguments, echoing special prosecutor Gary Shroyer's words during opening statement. "No matter how [defense attorneys] twist and turn, it is still six shots in the back."
Jason Meade, a former deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), is charged with two counts of murder and one count of reckless homicide in the 23-year-old Black man's shooting death. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
"We've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jason Meade acted reasonably," attorney Mark Collins said during the defense's closing arguments.
The incident occurred in Columbus on Dec. 4, 2020, when Meade was working with the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) to search for a wanted fugitive. Meade, who is white, alleged that Goodson pointed a gun at him as the two drove past each other. The then-deputy said he decided to follow Goodson home. Goodson legally owned a gun and had a concealed carry permit, according to police.
