Ohio Officer Acquitted in Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Woman

Sat Nov 22 2025 07:07:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a controversial ruling, a police officer was acquitted of all charges after fatally shooting Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother suspected of shoplifting. The incident has ignited further calls for justice and accountability within law enforcement.

A police officer from Blendon Township, Connor Grubb, has been found not guilty in the shooting death of 21-year-old pregnant woman Ta’Kiya Young. The jury's decision has prompted outrage from the Young family and advocates for justice, who plan to pursue civil action against the police department. Grubb had claimed self-defense during the trial, stating he felt threatened when Young's vehicle moved towards him. Young's family maintains that she was not committing any theft at the time of her death.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Blendon Township police officer Connor Grubb was acquitted on all charges, including murder, for the fatal shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother accused of shoplifting. The verdict was met with heartbreak and anger, as Young’s grandmother collapsed, exclaiming, It’s not right! This is not right!.

Attorney Sean Walton, representing Young's family, described the outcome as an American tragedy, highlighting concerns over a justice system perceived as biased. The family plans to continue their fight for justice in civil court, having already filed a lawsuit against the township and its police chief this past August.

During the trial, bodycam footage revealed Young resisted exiting her vehicle outside a Kroger store, which was reportedly linked to theft. It showed her car moving toward Grubb when he fired a single shot through the windshield, striking her in the chest. The defense argued that Grubb feared for his safety, claiming he was hit by the vehicle.

Judge David Young dismissed charges related to the death of Young's unborn child based on insufficient evidence that Grubb knew she was pregnant at the time. Despite the outcome, Young's family and community members continue to advocate for systemic change within law enforcement practices.

Following the incident, Officer Grubb was placed on paid administrative leave while Young, a mother of two young boys, was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. The Young family contends that no theft occurred, and witnesses have corroborated this claim.