A jury in Columbus began deliberating Wednesday after prosecutors in the murder trial of a former sheriff’s deputy say his claims that the man he fatally shot posed a threat are not credible. Defense lawyers argue the officer acted responsibly. (Feb. 14)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Prosecutors in the murder trial of a former Ohio sheriff’s deputy told jurors Wednesday that his claims that the man he fatally shot posed a threat are not credible, while defense lawyers insisted that evidence in the case is consistent with their client’s statements.
Special Prosecutor Tim Merkle said the victim, 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr., had the “ill fortune” of running into Jason Meade, whom he described as an “aggressive, arrogant and remorseless officer,” and urged the jury to return a “just verdict.”
Jurors began deliberating the case Wednesday afternoon.
Meade, who is white, is charged with murder and reckless homicide in the December 2020 killing in Columbus of Goodson, who was Black. Meade maintains that he shot Goodson because he brandished a gun.