Ohio Police Officer Charged with Murder of 21 Year old Pregnant Woman

[Social Media]

 

An Ohio police officer has been charged with the murder of Ta'Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant woman who was fatally shot last August. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of both Ms. Young and her unborn daughter, has drawn significant attention and sparked widespread outcry.

 

The charges against Blendon Township police officer Connor Grubb were announced following a grand jury's decision in Columbus, Ohio. The grand jury found sufficient evidence to indict Officer Grubb on charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and assault. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the case, as it brings the officer directly into the legal spotlight, raising questions about the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.

 

Ta'Kiya Young, who was around 25 weeks pregnant at the time of her death, encountered the police on the tragic day of August 24, 2023. The encounter occurred in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store, where Ms. Young was suspected of shoplifting alcohol. Bodycam footage of the incident, which was released last year, captured the moments leading up to the shooting. The video shows officers attempting to prevent Ms. Young from driving away in her car, intending to question her about the alleged shoplifting incident. As the situation escalated, Ms. Young appeared to drive toward Officer Grubb, who then fired the fatal shot.

 

The shooting of Ms. Young, particularly given her pregnancy, has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. The legal team representing Officer Grubb has maintained that he acted in self-defense. According to his lawyers, Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens, the evidence will show that their client's actions were justified. "When viewed through the eyes of a reasonable police officer, the evidence will show that our client's actions were justified, when there is video evidence that Officer Grubb was being hit by a moving vehicle," they stated. This defense hinges on the argument that Officer Grubb had to make a split-second decision in a life-threatening situation, a scenario all too familiar to those in law enforcement.

 

The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) labor union has also voiced its support for Officer Grubb, characterizing the indictment as politically motivated. "We stand firm in advocating for an impartial justice system that focuses on truth and facts, not politics," said Brian Steel, the chapter president. He emphasized the challenges faced by law enforcement officers who must often make rapid decisions under extreme pressure. "Like all law enforcement officers, Officer Grubb had to make a split-second decision, a reality all too familiar for those who serve to protect our communities," Steel added, highlighting the complexities of policing in high-stress situations.

 

In the aftermath of the grand jury's decision, Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford announced that the department would immediately begin a disciplinary process to review the facts and determine the appropriate course of action against Officer Grubb. In a video statement, Chief Belford was careful to withhold any judgment on whether the officer acted properly, citing the need to examine the evidence thoroughly. "I want to be very clear: We're not passing any judgment on whether Officer Grubb acted properly. We haven't seen the evidence," Chief Belford said, underscoring the importance of a fair and impartial review process.

 

For Ms. Young's family, the charges against Officer Grubb represent a step toward justice, but they also highlight the immense pain and loss they have endured. Sean Walton, a lawyer representing the family, described the arrest as "a solemn victory in the pursuit of justice" and "yet another symbol of the urgent need for reform in police conduct and accountability." He pointed to the circumstances of Ms. Young's death as evidence of broader systemic issues within law enforcement. "The actions that led to the death of Ta’Kiya — the unnecessary aggression, the chilling commands that amounted to ‘comply or die’ — were there for us all to witness in dreadful clarity," Walton said, emphasizing the need for change.

 

Nadine Young, Ta'Kiya's grandmother, shared the emotional toll the past year has taken on the family, particularly on Ms. Young's two young sons, aged six and three. "It's been agony, it's been like a whirlwind of hurt and pain," she told CBS News, reflecting on the deep sense of loss that has pervaded their lives since the shooting. Ms. Young, who was due to give birth in November, had been preparing for the arrival of her daughter, a joyous event that was tragically cut short.

 

The bodycam footage of the encounter, which shows the two officers speaking with Ms. Young for about one minute before the shot is fired, has been a focal point in the ongoing discussions about the case. Both officers were in the parking lot for an unrelated call when the encounter with Ms. Young occurred. The footage has been widely circulated, prompting public debate about the appropriate use of force and the responsibilities of law enforcement in such situations.

 

The case of Ta'Kiya Young is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in modern policing. It raises important questions about the use of force, the treatment of vulnerable individuals, and the need for greater accountability within law enforcement. As the legal proceedings against Officer Grubb move forward, the case will undoubtedly continue to be closely watched, not only by those directly involved but by a broader public concerned with issues of justice and police reform.

 

In the meantime, Ms. Young's family must navigate the difficult path of mourning their loss while seeking justice for their loved one. The charges against Officer Grubb, while significant, cannot undo the tragedy that has befallen them. Yet, they represent a crucial step in the ongoing struggle for accountability and change in the face of such devastating events.

 

 

Credit: BBC  2024-08-15

 

 

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[georgegeorgia]

He had no right to shoot her ,even if she was trying to run him down in the car 

She was only expressing herself thru her actions 

Poor dear 

[Tug]

If she was using her car as a weapon then the officer is allowed to defend himself and others for that matter.That being said some less violent alternative would have been preferred .sad no matter how you feel about it it’s a bad outcome.

[BritManToo]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

In a video statement, Chief Belford was careful to withhold any judgment on whether the officer acted properly, citing the need to examine the evidence thoroughly. "I want to be very clear: We're not passing any judgment on whether Officer Grubb acted properly. We haven't seen the evidence," Chief Belford said, underscoring the importance of a fair and impartial review process.

If he hasn't seen the evidence 1 year after the incident (posted on youtube), this police chief needs to be removed from office.

[tandor]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford

why hadn't they viewed he video evidence prior to Grubb being charged?

[tandor]

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

He had no right to shoot her ,even if she was trying to run him down in the car 

She was only expressing herself thru her actions 

Poor dear 

Grubb could easily have shot a tyre out..and before you start whining a member of the public could have been injured; a bullet could have easily deflected after hitting laminated glass.

[NowNow]

Why was his gun drawn in the first place? Was there any evidence that she was armed and dangerous?

His tactic was to stand in front of the car and shoot her if she tried to move.  That's clearly manslaughter. Nothing to do with politics. 

[impulse]

30 minutes ago, NowNow said:

Why was his gun drawn in the first place? Was there any evidence that she was armed and dangerous?

His tactic was to stand in front of the car and shoot her if she tried to move.  That's clearly manslaughter. Nothing to do with politics. 

 

She was in control of a 2000+ pound weapon.

 

[fredwiggy]

4 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

She was in control of a 2000+ pound weapon.

 

If she shoplifted, she panicked and tried to get away. The only reason you draw your weapon is if they have a weapon intending to hurt you or others. He could have shot the tire as easily as he shot her. She wasn't brandishing a weapon. If someone tries to intentionally run you down, you try to get out of the way. Shooting at them is a waste of your time to react, and you might hit someone else that's standing around. This wasn't a murder suspect that's armed. She stole something and died for it.

[thesetat2013]

4 hours ago, Tug said:

If she was using her car as a weapon then the officer is allowed to defend himself and others for that matter.That being said some less violent alternative would have been preferred .sad no matter how you feel about it it’s a bad outcome.

Look at the video clearly. The woman turned the wheel to avoid hitting the officer. Then the officer placed himself in front of the car trying to use his hand to stop her. Then fired his gun killing the woman. The only imminent threat the officer faced was self imposed. The woman actually tried to avoid the officer in front of her car. She did not try to move the car quickly either. So there was no life threatening situation for the cop. So who is at fault here? 

Cops in the USA have used lethal force or more force than needed and their excuses for a long time. I hope the family sues and wins and the police get a lesson on how to stop using lethal force to apprehend someone. 

[impulse]

19 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

She stole something and died for it.

 

She died because she put the car in gear and tried to run over the cop standing in front of her car, with another cop in danger who was next to her car with his hand in the window.  Thank goodness they stopped her before she ran over an innocent kid or an entire family in the parking lot, as she tried to get away.

 

[NowNow]

32 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

She was in control of a 2000+ pound weapon.

 

 

Don't act like a girl. Come up with a serious reply if you are a man. If it were a 2,000+ dangerous weapon, then why did he CHOOSE to stand in front of it? Apart from that, she was moving so slowly that he could have easily have moved out of the way. 

It was a stupid and murderous tactic. 

[impulse]

1 minute ago, NowNow said:

Easy enough to stand back, shoot her tyres out and let her wander off.

 

Do you have a clue how dangerous it is to shoot at tires on a moving vehicle in a public parking lot?

Cops don't have a legal or moral responsibility to get the hell out of the way when someone's making an escape.

 

[NowNow]

5 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Do you have a clue how dangerous it is to shoot at tires on a moving vehicle in a public parking lot?

Cops don't have a legal or moral responsibility to get the hell out of the way when someone's making an escape.

 

 

Less dangerous than shooting someone through a windscreen at close range. They had a moral responsibility to shoot and kill a pregnant woman who presented no danger to them? His argument was that he felt his life was in danger. The evidence does not support that.

[fredwiggy]

5 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Do you have a clue how dangerous it is to shoot at tires on a moving vehicle in a public parking lot?

Cops don't have a legal or moral responsibility to get the hell out of the way when someone's making an escape.

 

It seems you don't have a clue that it's harder to shoot a person at waist level than aiming at a tire lower, and less likely to miss the car at that angle and hit someone behind it, and besides, you don't shoot at a car unless the person is a murder suspect trying to get away, as I've said before. It's a hell of a lot more dangerous to aim at waist or above level.A policeman is supposed to know his limitations and his job duties, and pulling out a weapon in this case is ludicrous. You use your time to get out of the way, and standing in front of a car is plain stupid because a person can hit the gas pedal and run you over accidentally also.

[Captain Flack]

Reported off topic troll post has been removed.

[Brn2Trvl]

Such an incomplete process exists in the rule of force that is followed to subdue a suspected individual. Here again a prime example of Police taught that a human life is worth less than an inanimate object and given the authority to issue that verdict onsite after a 2nd or 3rd step of non-compliance to show a license, or become my prisoner is not obeyed and then simply kill as punishment, when there are a 1000 other steps from initial contact that should be employed . Apparently a Policing person's day is too valuable to protect and serve as coffee and donuts are waiting.

[steve187]

5 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

He had no right to shoot her ,even if she was trying to run him down in the car 

She was only expressing herself thru her actions 

Poor dear 

you are joking right

[CanadaSam]

How about stepping out of the way, instead of killing a woman and unborn child?

[steve187]

22 minutes ago, NowNow said:

 

Less dangerous than shooting someone through a windscreen at close range. They had a moral responsibility to shoot and kill a pregnant woman who presented no danger to them? His argument was that he felt his life was in danger. The evidence does not support that.

i think it does, have you ever been in that position?

[CanadaSam]

2 minutes ago, steve187 said:

have you ever been in that position?

 

Watch the video.  She is moving at a snail's pace!  Certainly not trying to run anybody down, which would require her stepping on the accelerator!!!

[steve187]

1 minute ago, CanadaSam said:

 

Watch the video.  She is moving at a snail's pace!  Certainly not trying to run anybody down, which would require her stepping on the accelerator!!!

so you are implying that the car is moving on its own without any input from the driver

[NowNow]

3 minutes ago, steve187 said:

i think it does, have you ever been in that position?

 

Yes. Didn't feel the need to kill anyone for inching their vehicle forward. His was murderous intent. Mealy-mouthed excuses afterwards don't cut the mustard. He should be a man rather than to make pathetic excuses.

[NowNow]

1 minute ago, steve187 said:

so you are implying that the car is moving on its own without any input from the driver

 

So you are implying that she tried to kill him by moving at a snail's pace and turning the wheel to try to avoid him? 

[NowNow]

11 minutes ago, steve187 said:

you are joking right

 

Take pity on the maladjusted and mentally deficient. 

[fredwiggy]

Just now, steve187 said:

so you are implying that the car is moving on its own without any input from the driver

You take your foot off the brake the cars moves. In her mind was a lot of things. Getting arrested for shoplifting the primary one I believe. The first step to getting away is to take your foot off the brake. Accelerating the second step. A lot of thinking goes on in those seconds and she was shot very quickly after moving only a few feet.

[georgegeorgia]

43 minutes ago, NowNow said:

 

So you are implying that she tried to kill him by moving at a snail's pace and turning the wheel to try to avoid him? 

Yes we are !

His reaction time may be different 

 

[phetphet]

So a 21 y.o. pregnant young woman is killed over a 'suspected' shoplifting. I couldn't find if they found stolen goods in her car.

I watched the video, and it looks to me like the office in front of the car with his hand on the front, already had his gun out, pointing at her. 

 

I was bedridden for a few months after an accident. Spent my days watching Youtube videos on US Police. Traffic stops, home raids, 1st Amendment Auditors etc.

The bad videos far out weigh the good ones regarding police behaviour.

 

I was shocked at how they treat the public in general. Very overbearing, and many didn't even know, or chose to ignore the constitutional rights they swore to uphold..

 

Seems like there is a tendency to overreach their authority given their qualified immunity. Quick to get people out of their cars, into hand cuffs, citing officer safety.

Quick to turn to physical force or draw their guns.

Circumvent 4th Amendment protections to search a car by pretending they can smell marijuana. Entering peoples homes without a warrant.

 

Almost like a paramilitary force rather than a police force. 

 

And many wearing the Thin Blue Line "Gang Badge", a fad which has unfortunately crossed the Atlantic to the UK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MalcolmB]

2 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

If she shoplifted, she panicked and tried to get away. The only reason you draw your weapon is if they have a weapon intending to hurt you or others. He could have shot the tire as easily as he shot her. She wasn't brandishing a weapon. If someone tries to intentionally run you down, you try to get out of the way. Shooting at them is a waste of your time to react, and you might hit someone else that's standing around. This wasn't a murder suspect that's armed. She stole something and died for it.

They are all stupid over there Fred.

 

the cop was wrong, the thief was wrong. 
terrible place and they have appointed themselves “world police”.

God help us all.

[tmd5855]

7 hours ago, Tug said:

If she was using her car as a weapon then the officer is allowed to defend himself and others for that matter.That being said some less violent alternative would have been preferred .sad no matter how you feel about it it’s a bad outcome.

He walked passed his colleague and put himself in front of the car.

She turned the wheel away from him and moved.  The officer already had his gun out where the policy of pulling your weapon is a last resort action.  

 

Again and again when the public do not comply you die, the police are judge and jury.

She were killed because she tried driving away while suspected of stealing some booze??

Stealing booze gets you the death penalty??  Let her go, the car appears to be a Lexus, get the plate and arrest her at home.