COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A Blendon Township police officer has been acquitted of all charges in the fatal shooting of Ta'Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant Black woman accused of shoplifting. Officer Connor Grubb, who could have faced life in prison, showed no visible emotion as the verdict was announced, while Young's grandmother was heard crying out in despair, stating, 'It’s not right! This is not right!'
Attorney Sean Walton, representing Young's family, described the outcome as 'an American tragedy', pointing to systemic issues within the justice system. Despite the acquittal, the family intends to pursue civil action against the township and the police chief due to alleged wrongful practices within the department since Young's death in 2023.
The confrontation that led to the shooting occurred when Grubb and another officer approached Young's vehicle after reports that she had stolen alcohol from a local grocery store. Bodycam footage showed Young refusing to exit her vehicle, prompting Grubb to draw his weapon while yelling at her, as her vehicle slowly advanced towards him. Grubb fired a fatal shot through the windshield, claiming he felt threatened.
During trial proceedings, jurors reviewed the bodycam footage along with expert testimonies. Judge David Young dismissed charges related to Young's unborn child, agreeing with the defense that there was no evidence to suggest Grubb was aware of her pregnancy during the incident.
Following the trial, it has become clear that Young was unarmed and had left the alcohol bottles in the store, according to her attorneys. This has ignited calls for accountability from the community and advocates for police reform.
Attorney Sean Walton, representing Young's family, described the outcome as 'an American tragedy', pointing to systemic issues within the justice system. Despite the acquittal, the family intends to pursue civil action against the township and the police chief due to alleged wrongful practices within the department since Young's death in 2023.
The confrontation that led to the shooting occurred when Grubb and another officer approached Young's vehicle after reports that she had stolen alcohol from a local grocery store. Bodycam footage showed Young refusing to exit her vehicle, prompting Grubb to draw his weapon while yelling at her, as her vehicle slowly advanced towards him. Grubb fired a fatal shot through the windshield, claiming he felt threatened.
During trial proceedings, jurors reviewed the bodycam footage along with expert testimonies. Judge David Young dismissed charges related to Young's unborn child, agreeing with the defense that there was no evidence to suggest Grubb was aware of her pregnancy during the incident.
Following the trial, it has become clear that Young was unarmed and had left the alcohol bottles in the store, according to her attorneys. This has ignited calls for accountability from the community and advocates for police reform.
