COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio police officer faces murder charge amidst other charges after the tragic shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant Black mother, who was killed following accusations of shoplifting last August.
Young was suspected of stealing bottles of alcohol when Blendon Township police officer Connor Grubb and another officer approached her vehicle. As the second officer ordered her to exit the car, Young rolled forward towards Grubb, who then fired a single bullet through her windshield, striking her in the chest. The shooting also resulted in the death of her unborn daughter, who was due to be born three months later.
A Franklin County grand jury has indicted Grubb on charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault. The indictment has sparked significant reactions, particularly from family members and community advocates who have criticized the officer’s actions as excessive.
Brian Steel, executive vice president of the union representing Blendon Township police, expressed disappointment over the indictment, stating, “Like all law enforcement officers, Officer Grubb had to make a split-second decision, a reality all too familiar for those who protect our communities.”
Nadine Young, Ta’Kiya’s grandmother, lamented the loss, saying, “He took a lot from us. It’s not fair. We don’t have her or the baby.” The family has endured a difficult year, grappling with the emotional turmoil of losing Young and her child.
Sad News: Officer Faces Murder Charge in Shooting
Family members had called for the officer to be charged shortly after the shooting on August 24. After reviewing bodycam footage that showed Grubb firing his weapon, they labelled his actions a “gross misuse of power and authority,” especially given that Young was accused of a minor crime.
In the bodycam video, Young can be heard asking the officers, “Are you going to shoot me?” before Grubb fired.
The incident has raised concerns about police conduct, particularly in interactions with Black individuals, amidst a broader context of police brutality across the nation.
Sean Walton, the family’s attorney, emphasised that the law is clear regarding the use of deadly force by police. “In no scenario does someone shoplifting contribute to their murder by a police officer,” he stated. “She bears no responsibility.”
The charges against Officer Grubb came after prosecutors presented evidence to the grand jury over two days. Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford confirmed that the department has initiated a disciplinary review following the indictment, stressing that no judgement has been made regarding Grubb’s actions.
“No one at Blendon Township has passed any judgement on whether Officer Grubb acted within the law,” Belford stated.
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