Full Breakdown
Former Ohio Deputy Convicted of Reckless Homicide for 2020 Shooting
5/8/2026, 5:48:50 AM
Conviction Overview
On May 8, 2026, a Franklin County jury convicted former deputy Jason Meade of reckless homicide for the December 2020 shooting of 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr. at his grandmother’s Columbus home. The jury deadlocked on murder, causing a mistrial. Meade, retired in 2021, fired six shots—five to the back, one to the side.
Legal Context
Ohio law defines murder as purposeful killing (up to life) and reckless homicide as reckless killing (max five years). Meade’s conviction is the second Ohio case of a white officer held responsible for a Black victim since the 2020 George Floyd protests; the first was Adam Coy’s 2020 indictment for Andre Hill.
Key Parties
Jason Meade, former Franklin County deputy and Baptist pastor, shot Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old delivering Subway sandwiches and keys to his grandmother. Goodson’s mother, Tamala Payne, leads a family campaign for accountability.
Evidence Disputes
Meade claimed Goodson pointed a gun; witnesses Christopher Corne and Officer Samuel Rippey said they saw no gun. The firearm was later found under Goodson’s body with the safety engaged. No video recorded the encounter.
Community Reaction
The verdict reignited Ohio calls for police reform. Protesters displayed overpasses with banners “Justice for Casey Goodson Jr.” and “Convict Murderer Meade,” later ordered removed. Activists say the reckless homicide charge falls short of full accountability.
Official Responses
Prosecutors are pleased with the reckless homicide verdict and have not decided on a third murder trial. Judge David Young set sentencing for July 16, 2026. Fraternal Order of Police president Brian Steel said he respects the jury but expressed disappointment, urging no retrial.
Criticism & Calls
Activists demanded a murder conviction, saying the reckless homicide charge does not reflect Goodson’s death. Defense attorneys Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens declined comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know now Casey can rest. You know, we’ve been fighting for five and a half years, and Casey sees his family fighting. He knows the stress. He knows the pain. He knows the heartache,” — Tamala Payne, mother of Casey Goodson Jr.
- “This was long six years drawn out. This is the second trial. I hope they’re for the sake of not only the Meade family, the Goodson family and the community, I hope we don’t try to do a third trial on this murder charge,” — Brian Steel, president and chief executive, Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9
- “Justice for Casey Goodson Jr.” — Protesters, Columbus, Ohio
- “Convict Murderer Meade.” — Protesters, Columbus, Ohio
Future Proceedings
Sentencing is set for July 16, 2026; Meade faces up to five years under the reckless homicide statute. Prosecutors have not confirmed a third trial on the murder charge.
