Ohio Sheriff’s Deputy’s Murder Trial Disrupted by Another Juror Dismissal

In the murder trial of a former Ohio sheriff’s deputy, another juror was dismissed on Friday, prompting the panel to restart deliberations for the third time within three days.

Uncertainty Surrounds Juror Dismissal

The latest dismissal occurred less than an hour after jurors had resumed their deliberations. With no more alternate jurors available for the case, the consequences of further dismissals remain unclear.

Potential Reasons for Juror Dismissals

While court officials have not disclosed the specific reasons for the juror dismissals, they can occur due to various factors. These may include illness, conducting independent research on the case, or discussing it with individuals outside the courtroom.

Case Background

Jason Meade, a white individual, faces charges of murder and reckless homicide in connection with the December 2020 killing of 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr., who was Black, in Columbus.

Deliberations and Testimony

The jury commenced deliberations on Wednesday afternoon. One juror was dismissed on the same day, and another was removed on Thursday. The panel initially included four alternates who heard all the testimony, with one being elevated to the main jury during the trial.

Contested Testimonies

Meade testified that he pursued Goodson after alleging that Goodson waved a gun at him. He claimed to have shot Goodson in self-defense as Goodson turned toward him with a gun. However, police reported that Meade shot Goodson six times, including five times in the back.

Disputed Circumstances of the Shooting

Goodson’s family and prosecutors argue that he was unarmed and holding a sandwich bag and keys when fatally shot. While acknowledging that Goodson may have been carrying a gun, they highlight his possession of a valid firearms license. Goodson’s weapon was found on the kitchen floor of his grandmother’s home with the safety engaged.

Lack of Bodycam Footage

Notably, there is no bodycam footage of the shooting, and prosecutors emphasized that Meade’s testimony was the sole account implicating Goodson’s possession of a gun.