Columbus, Ohio – The new year brings a lineup of high-profile trials in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, including cases involving former law enforcement officers charged with murder and other serious offenses. Among the anticipated trials are those of a former Franklin County deputy, a former Columbus police officer, and a former Columbus K-9 officer, all accused of fatal shootings.
Former Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Jason Meade is scheduled to stand trial on January 29 for murder and reckless homicide in the shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr. Meade allegedly shot Goodson six times, five in the back, outside the latter’s grandmother’s residence. Goodson’s family disputes claims that he was holding a gun at the time of the shooting, stating that he was only carrying food from a Subway restaurant. Notably, there is no footage of the incident, as the Franklin County Sheriff’s office did not have body cameras at the time.
Another former officer, Adam Coy of the Columbus Division of Police, is facing similar charges for the shooting death of 47-year-old Andre Hill. This case, along with Meade’s, has been postponed several times due to various circumstances, including Coy’s diagnosis of cancer. The trial continuance is pending an update on his treatment.
A third former officer, Ricky Anderson, a former Columbus K-9 officer, has been indicted for murder and reckless homicide in the fatal shooting of Donovan Lewis. Anderson allegedly fired his weapon when Lewis sprang up in bed, striking him in the abdomen. However, key details of the incident are still disputed, and the trial may be moved from its current schedule.
In addition to these former officers’ trials, other cases include that of Krieg Butler, who claims self-defense in the shooting death of 13-year-old Sinzae Reed, and Rebecca Auborn, who faces charges related to drug overdoses that led to multiple deaths. These cases highlight the ongoing legal issues surrounding law enforcement and public safety concerns in the Columbus area.
Overall, these trials are a significant focus of Franklin County Common Pleas Court in the new year, with each case carrying its own set of complex legal and ethical considerations. As the trials progress, they will likely continue to draw attention and spark important conversations about law enforcement practices and accountability.