Ex-Deputy Convicted of Reckless Homicide in Shooting Death of Black Man

A jury in Ohio found former deputy Jason Meade guilty of reckless homicide on May 7, 2026, in the 2023 shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man. The verdict came after a second trial, following a mistrial in the first proceeding when jurors could not agree on the more serious charge of murder.

Meade, a white former law enforcement officer, shot Goodson five times in the back and once in the side as Goodson stood in a doorway of his grandmother’s home in Columbus. The incident occurred without warning or communication from the officer to the unarmed Goodson.

The Fatal Encounter

On the afternoon in question, Meade arrived at the residence as part of a law enforcement response. According to his account, he believed he saw Goodson holding a firearm and turning toward him. However, no other witness testified to observing Goodson with a weapon, and no surveillance camera recorded the moment of the shooting.

Goodson was lawfully licensed to carry a firearm, and he held a gun at the time of the incident. Meade maintained that he fired in self-defense based on what he perceived as a threat. This account became central to his legal defense across both trials.

The Second Trial

After the first trial ended in a mistrial on the murder charge in 2024, prosecutors pursued the case again. The second trial presented largely similar evidence but apparently resonated differently with the jury. This time, jurors convicted Meade of the lesser charge of reckless homicide, finding that he acted recklessly in causing Goodson’s death rather than acting with purposeful intent to murder.

Under Ohio law, reckless homicide carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, significantly less than the potential life sentence for murder. Judge David Young scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2026.

Historical Significance

Meade is now the second white law enforcement officer convicted in Ohio for killing a Black man since the 2020 death of George Floyd sparked nationwide protests over police use of force. Columbus police officer Adam Coy was the first, convicted on charges including murder in the 2020 killing of Andre Hill.

The case has drawn attention from law enforcement organizations. Brian Steel, president and chief executive of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, expressed disappointment with the verdict while respecting the jury’s decision. He stated he hopes prosecutors do not pursue a third trial on the murder charge.

Family and Community Response

Tamala Payne, Goodson’s mother, said the guilty verdict provided her family with closure and peace. “I know now Casey can rest,” she stated following the announcement. Her advocacy and the family’s presence throughout both trials kept attention focused on the case and its institutional implications.

Community groups had hung banners from highway overpasses during the trial carrying messages such as “Justice for Casey Goodson Jr.” and “Convict Murderer Meade.” Law enforcement removed the banners at the judge’s order during proceedings.

Next Steps

Sentencing is scheduled for July 16. Prosecutors indicated they have not yet decided whether to pursue a third trial on the original murder charge, though victims’ advocates have called for that outcome.

References: Ex-deputy Jason Meade found guilty of reckless homicide in shooting of Black man entering grandmother’s home