By Armando Hernandez
Aug 14, 2024, 6:51 PM EDT
The family of Casey Goodson Jr., a young African American man who was shot and killed by an Ohio sheriff’s deputy, will receive $7 million to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit over the December 2020 shooting.
Goodson, 23, was shot multiple times in December 2020 as he tried to enter his grandmother’s home in Columbus. His death, one of several involving Black people killed by white Ohio law enforcement officers over the past decade, sparked national outrage and calls for police reform.
The announcement of the agreement was made by the family lawyer, who described it as a historic event.
The family of Casey Goodson Jr. will receive $7 million as part of a settlement plan that will be paid out over three years pic.twitter.com/As2t5vGYqi
— FOX 28 Columbus (@fox28columbus) July 31, 2024
According to Sean Walton: “The settlement allows Casey’s family to resolve their civil claims against Franklin County, allowing them to fully focus on the upcoming retrial for the murder of Michael Jason Meade… While no amount of money can make up for Casey’s loss, This agreement is a crucial recognition of the profound impact his death has had on his family and the broader community.”.
Meade testified that Goodson waved a gun at him as the two crossed paths.so he chased Goodson because he said he feared for his life and the lives of others. He said he ultimately shot Goodson because the young man turned toward him with a gun.
Goodson’s family and prosecutors have said the man was holding a sandwich bag in one hand and his keys in the other. when he was fatally shot. They do not deny that Goodson may have been carrying a gun and point out that he was licensed to carry firearms.
Goodson’s gun, which had an extended magazine, was found on his grandmother’s kitchen floor with the safety on.
Meade was charged with murder and manslaughter, but a mistrial was declared in February when the jury could not agree on a verdict, ending a lengthy trial in which four jurors were dismissed.
Prosecutors soon announced that he would face a new trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 31.
Meade pleaded not guilty and his lawyers said the prosecution’s decision to seek a retrial was due to political pressure from local elected officials.
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