An Ohio police officer has been acquitted of all charges, including murder, in the fatal shooting of a pregnant Black woman in a supermarket parking lot. Blendon Township Officer Connor Grubb faced the possibility of life imprisonment for the death of Ta’Kiya Young, who was killed on August 24, 2023, following allegations of shoplifting at a Kroger store.
The verdict was announced on Friday, leaving the courtroom in silence. While Grubb maintained a composed demeanor, Young’s grandmother, who is now raising Young’s two sons, reacted with visible distress, exclaiming, “It’s not right! This is not right!”
On the day of the incident, Officer Grubb and his partner Sgt. Erick Moynihan approached Young’s car after receiving reports of suspected theft. Bodycam footage reveals the events leading up to the shooting; Young partially lowered her window to protest as the officers commanded her to exit the vehicle. As her car rolled forward, Grubb fired a single shot, striking Young in the chest. Despite police attempts to save her, she and her unborn child were declared dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
During the two-week trial, jurors reviewed body camera footage and heard from various witnesses, including Officer Moynihan. Grubb chose not to testify, but his written statement indicated he drew his weapon out of concern for his safety and that of bystanders. He claimed that when the vehicle moved toward him, he felt it lift him off the ground before he fired.
Judge David Young, who is not related to Ta’Kiya, dismissed four of the ten charges against Grubb concerning the death of the unborn child, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to prove he knew of her pregnancy at the time of the shooting.
The outcome has drawn criticism from members of Young’s family and their attorney, Sean Walton, who described the verdict as “an American tragedy.” He highlighted ongoing issues within the justice system and stated that the family intends to pursue civil action against the township and the police chief for alleged negligence in training and supervision of Officer Grubb.
Mark Collins, Grubb’s attorney, expressed that the officer was deeply affected by the verdict, stating that he had to grapple with the burden of taking a life while on duty. Collins also condemned the protests that took place during the trial.
The case has sparked conversations about police conduct, accountability, and systemic issues affecting minority communities within the U.S. As the Young family moves forward with their legal battle, there remains a public call for reforms aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.