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 due three months later. It remains uncertain if Grubb will testify, following the reading of his written statement on Wednesday in court.
The incident took place on August 24, 2023, when Grubb and a fellow officer approached Young's vehicle regarding allegations of theft at a grocery store. As Young partially rolled down her window, the other officer ordered her out, but she instead moved her car toward Grubb, who then fired a shot through the car's windshield.
Prosecutors argue Grubb’s actions were unwarranted, highlighting that she did not pose a threat at the time. In contrast, defense attorneys claim Young's behavior justified the shooting.
In Grubb’s written statement, he described positioning himself to protect bystanders. He claimed he drew his weapon after hearing Young ignore commands. He said he felt the vehicle hit him as it moved forward, prompting him to act.
The trial has evoked strong emotions, particularly as jurors watched the body camera footage showing a chaotic confrontation where Young was visibly distressed, asking, Are you going to shoot me? Following the shooting, both she and her unborn child were pronounced dead at a hospital.
Grubb has been on paid administrative leave since the incident, with his attorneys insisting that he faced a genuine threat during the encounter.
