A jury has found an Ohio police officer not guilty of murder in the controversial shooting death of a 21-year-old pregnant Black woman, Ta'Kiya Young, who was suspected of shoplifting. The verdict was delivered on Friday, following a trial that focused on the actions of Connor Grubb from the Blendon Township Police Department. Grubb was acquitted of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault in relation to Young's tragic death.
The incident occurred on August 24, 2023, when Grubb shot Young while she was driving her vehicle towards him in a parking lot outside a Kroger grocery store. Reports indicate that Young was seven months pregnant at the time of the shooting, and her family confirmed that her unborn child also died as a result of the incident.
Body camera footage captured the events leading up to the shooting, showing Young's vehicle moving towards Grubb after she allegedly stole liquor from the store. Her grandmother, Nadine Young, expressed her grief and frustration in the courtroom after the verdict, stating, "It's not right. He's walking away free."
Following the jury's decision, Ta'Kiya Young's family attorney, Sean Walton Jr., addressed the media, expressing disappointment but indicating that he did not blame the jury for the outcome. "Connor Grubb is the one who pulled the trigger; Connor Grubb is the one who has us all here right now," Walton remarked during a press conference.
After the verdict was announced, Grubb embraced his attorneys and exited the courtroom with his family, having received permission from the judge. Grubb's attorney, Mark Collins, expressed gratitude towards the jurors for their service, adding that Grubb "took a life on duty" and would have to live with that reality.
In the aftermath of the verdict, Ta'Kiya Young's family announced their intention to pursue a civil lawsuit, although they did not disclose specific details about the timing or parties involved. "Our civil case will prove what the jury could not find beyond a reasonable doubt," the family stated. They aim to demonstrate that Grubb created a dangerous situation by positioning himself in front of Young's vehicle with his weapon drawn.
Collins, Grubb's defense attorney, emphasized the need for legislative changes regarding the handling of use-of-force cases, suggesting that if the grand jury had heard the defense's perspective, Grubb likely would not have been indicted. During the closing arguments, Erin Claypool from the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office argued that Grubb's actions were reckless and against police guidelines, which instruct officers to avoid discharging their firearms at moving vehicles.
Collins countered by stating that Young's vehicle represented a deadly force as she drove towards Grubb, making his response reasonable under the circumstances. He criticized the prosecution's reliance on expert testimony, calling their case weak and emphasizing that the jury must focus on the facts rather than emotions.
Testimony from Officer Erick Moynihan, who was present during the shooting, revealed that he did not perceive Young as a threat and was surprised when Grubb fired his weapon. The prosecution highlighted this testimony to suggest that Grubb acted out of fear rather than necessity. They pointed out inconsistencies in Grubb's statement, questioning his motivations for claiming he felt endangered.
During the trial, the defense requested the dismissal of charges related to felonious assault and felony murder concerning Young's unborn child, arguing that there was no evidence Grubb knew she was pregnant at the time of the shooting. Grubb claimed that he pointed his weapon at Young after she failed to comply with commands to exit her vehicle. Body camera footage revealed that Young had been uncooperative, leading up to the moment she drove her car towards Grubb.
Despite the not guilty verdict, Ta'Kiya Young's family remains resolute in their pursuit of justice, stating, "Ta'Kiya's life mattered. Her daughter's life mattered. And we will prove it." The case has sparked discussions about police conduct, the use of deadly force, and the systemic issues surrounding accountability in law enforcement.
The tragic death of Ta'Kiya Young serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for reforms in policing practices, particularly concerning how officers respond to perceived threats. As the family prepares to take legal action, the community watches closely, hoping for change and justice in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.