A jury found Ohio police officer Connor Grubb not guilty of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault in the 2023 shooting death of 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young, who was seven months pregnant. Young was fatally shot in a Blendon Township grocery store parking lot after officers suspected her of shoplifting and body camera video showed her vehicle moving toward Grubb.
Family Reacts to Verdict
Young’s grandmother, Nadine Young, cried out in court after the verdict, calling it unjust. The family’s attorney, Sean Walton Jr., said they did not blame the jury, but emphasized that “Connor Grubb is the one who pulled the trigger.” The family announced plans to pursue a civil lawsuit.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Prosecutors argued that departmental policy requires officers to step out of a moving vehicle’s path rather than fire, noting that Grubb’s partner did not perceive Young as a threat. The defense maintained that the car posed deadly force and that Grubb acted reasonably, urging jurors to separate emotion from the facts.
Trial Details and Dismissed Charges
Judge David Young dismissed counts related to the unborn child, finding no evidence that Grubb knew Young was pregnant. During the encounter, Young repeatedly questioned officers’ commands and asked, “Are you going to shoot me?” before attempting to drive away, at which point Grubb fired once through the windshield.
Aftermath and Ongoing Questions
Young and her unborn daughter were pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the shooting. In a statement, the family vowed to continue seeking accountability, saying, “Ta’Kiya’s life mattered. Her daughter’s life mattered. And we will prove it.”
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.