Full Breakdown
Former Franklin County Deputy Convicted of Reckless Homicide in 2020 Shooting
5/9/2026, 7:09:43 AM
The Conviction and Its Legal Context
On May 7 2026 a Franklin County jury found former sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade guilty of reckless homicide, a third-degree felony under Ohio law. Jurors were deadlocked on the separate murder count, resulting in a mistrial for that charge. Judge David Young revoked Meade’s bond and ordered him held in the county jail; sentencing is set for July 16, with a statutory range of up to three years in prison.
Background of the 2020 Shooting
On December 4 2020, Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man with a concealed-carry permit, was returning from a dentist’s appointment with a bag of Subway sandwiches for his grandmother’s home on Estates Place in Columbus. While approaching the side door, Meade—working on a U.S. Marshals task force—claimed he saw Goodson wave a handgun from a vehicle, pursued him, ordered him to drop the weapon, and fired six rounds from a department-issued rifle after Goodson allegedly pointed the gun at him. Goodson was struck five times in the back and once in the side, dying shortly thereafter. A handgun with an extended magazine was recovered near his body; its safety was engaged.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- Dec 4 2020 – Shooting occurs.
- July 2021 – Meade retires on disability after 17 years of service.
- Feb 2024 – First trial ends in a hung jury; a mistrial is declared.
- July 2024 – Goodson’s family settles a federal civil-rights lawsuit for $7 million.
- May 7 2026 – Jury convicts Meade of reckless homicide; murder charge mistrial.
- July 16 2026 – Sentencing hearing scheduled; prosecutors have not announced whether they will retry the murder charge.
Key Evidence and Disputed Facts
The prosecution presented forensic evidence that six bullets struck Goodson, five in the back, and a handgun with an extended magazine found on the floor. Witnesses Christopher Corne and Ryan Rosser testified they did not see Goodson holding a gun. Officer Samuel Rippey observed the recovered handgun after the shooting. Meade’s written statement to investigators asserted he saw Goodson brandish a weapon and that Goodson turned and pointed it at Meade. No body-camera footage exists, and no other witness corroborated the claim that Goodson pointed a gun.
Official Reactions
Special prosecutors Howard Merkle and Gary Shroyer said they were “pleased with the partial verdict” and have not set a timeline for a possible murder retrial. Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor expressed condolences, emphasizing that “accountability is essential to rebuilding trust.” Mayor Andrew Ginther urged respect for the judicial process and continued community dialogue. Sheriff Dallas Baldwin declined comment pending further proceedings.
Police Union and Defense Criticism
Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 President Brian Steel decried the bond revocation, arguing it reflects “politics influencing policing” and urged prosecutors not to pursue a third trial. Defense attorneys Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens maintained that Meade’s use of force was lawful, stating they “don’t think it is reckless for an officer to use deadly force when someone points a gun at him.”
Impact on Police Accountability in Ohio
The conviction marks only the second instance of a white officer being held criminally liable for killing a Black civilian in Ohio since the 2020 George Floyd protests. It revives statewide debate over use-of-force standards, jury instructions for split-charge trials, and the role of special prosecutors in high-profile police cases.
Conflicting Accounts and Gaps
- Gun possession: Goodson held a concealed-carry permit, but witnesses dispute whether he brandished the weapon.
- Eyewear: Testimony indicates Goodson wore earbuds, possibly obscuring his hearing of Meade’s commands.
- Weapon handling: The recovered handgun’s safety was engaged, and its holster lacked a strap, raising questions about its readiness.
- Meade’s testimony: He testified in the 2024 trial but remained silent in the 2026 retrial, leaving a gap in direct cross-examination.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know now Casey can rest.” — Tamala Payne, mother of Casey Goodson Jr.
- “ "We don’t think it is reckless for an officer to use deadly force when someone points a gun at him.” — Kaitlyn Stephens, defense attorney.
- “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, FOP President.
- “The truth is there are no winners today.” — Andrew Ginther, Columbus Mayor.
- “Needless to say, we're pleased with the partial verdict.” — Howard Merkle, special prosecutor.
What’s Next
Meade will appear for sentencing in July, facing up to three years in prison. Prosecutors will decide whether to retry the murder charge, a decision that could set precedent for future officer-involved-death prosecutions in Ohio.
