David DeVillers, the U.S Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, released a statement regarding the investigation in the shooting death of Casey Goodson. The 23-year-old Black male was shot and killed by Franklin County Deputy Jason Meade on December 4. In the statement released to the press, DeVillers says his office is pursuing an “accurate” investigation into the death of Casey Goodson.
“Our goal is to conduct a thorough and accurate investigation without compromising the integrity and legitimacy,” the statement reads. The investigation is a joint effort that includes the FBI and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
“We agree that the facts and the law could lead to federal charges, to state charges, or to no charges at all,” DeVillers says in the statement. “This is an ongoing investigation. No determination of any charges federal or state has been made.”
DeVillers’ statement comes after hundreds of residents gathered at the statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. To demand justice for Casey Goodson. Tamala Payne, Goodson’s mother, says, “The amount of love and support for my son that we’re getting right now is overwhelming.” Goodson, with no prior criminal history, was shot as he was entering his home. Payne says her son was returning home after picking up Subway sandwiches for his younger brother and 72-year-old Grandmother. The two would later discover Goodson dead on the kitchen floor.
In the previous release 911 call made by Goodson’s Grandmother, the Grandmother tells the dispatcher that her grandson was shot in the back. “My grandson was just shot in the back as he came into the house,” Goodson’s Grandmother tells the dispatcher. “He’s not a bad kid. He doesn’t have a police record. He works. I don’t know what happened,” she later says.
The Deputy involved, Jason Meade, was assigned to the US Marshal’s fugitive task force. Meade was on duty, searching for violent offenders. Goodson was not a person of interest, according to investigators. With no eyewitness account and no bodycam footage. What led to the death of Casey Goodson is still unclear.
Sean Walton, the family’s attorney, says that Casey Goodson had placed his keys in the door, just before he was shot. Walton added that Goodson’s keys remained hanging from the doorknob hours after the shooting. A horrific reminder to the family of how close Casey was to safety.
The Franklin County Coroner office ruled Goodson’s death a homicide. After noting that multiple gunshot wounds to the torso caused Goodson’s death.
“My son was murdered by a coward who took an oath to protect and serve,” says Payne. “I want justice.”
DeVillers has met with the family of Goodson to explain the sensitivity of the investigation. “Mr. Goodson’s family made it clear,” DeVillers said. “They’re putting their trust in us. And we will do everything in our power to honor that trust.”
Meade, a 17-year veteran, has yet to meet with investigators and remains on paid leave pending the investigation’s outcome.
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