In closing arguments in the murder trial of former Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade for the 2020 shooting of Casey Goodson Jr., the prosecution said their last-minute witness exposed a “cover-up” by Meade while his defense team balked at the “audacity” of that suggestion and attacked that witness’ inconsistencies.
“If you believe (witness) Christopher Corne, the case is over for them,” special prosecutor Tim Merkle said Wednesday of Meade’s defense, alleging that Meade embellished or made up what he saw after the fact.
“(Corne) exposes the cover-up,” Merkle said.
Corne, an HVAC technician, testified on Tuesday that he was driving behind Meade when he saw Goodson drive by, seemingly dancing to music in his car with nothing in his hands. His testimony countered earlier testimony from Meade, who testified that he saw Goodson brandish a gun in the car and point it at him and other motorists.
Corne came forward last week via social media after watching news coverage of the trial, saying he had a change of heart and wanted to do the right thing.