COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The murder trial of an Ohio police officer continues Thursday in the 2023 shooting death of a pregnant Black mother he and another officer confronted about an accusation of shoplifting.
Connor Grubb is charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault in the death of Ta’Kiya Young, 21, and her unborn daughter. The officer's written statement was read into the record on Wednesday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, detailing the incident that took place on August 24, 2023.
Grubb and another officer from the Blendon Township police approached Young's vehicle following a report that she was suspected of stealing alcohol. Young partially rolled down her window, and when ordered out of the car by the other officer, she instead moved her car forward toward Grubb. Video footage presented in court shows Grubb firing a shot through the windshield, which struck Young in the chest.
According to a special prosecutor, Grubb's actions were unwarranted as Young did not pose a direct threat at that moment. Conversely, the defense argues that Young's actions warranted Grubb's response, suggesting the officer acted in defense of himself and others.
In testimony, Grubb stated that he drew his firearm upon hearing Young refuse to comply and felt threatened when her vehicle approached him. The dramatization of the courtroom sessions, including the viewing of bodycam footage, has led some family members to leave in distress.
As the trial progresses, it's clear that the confrontation not only led to the tragic loss of Young's life but has also reignited critical discussions surrounding police tactics and the use of lethal force.




















