Ohio Grand Jury Indicts Officer for Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Black Woman

An Ohio grand jury has made a decision that could potentially bring justice to the family of Ta’Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant Black woman who was fatally shot by Blendon Township Officer Connor Grubb. The grand jury has indicted Grubb on charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault in connection to the tragic incident that took place on August 24, 2023.

The indictment comes after surveillance footage showed Young allegedly stealing bottles of alcohol from a grocery store, prompting a 911 call from store clerks. When Grubb and another officer approached Young’s car in the parking lot, body camera footage captured Grubb firing a single bullet through her windshield, ultimately resulting in the death of both Young and her unborn baby girl.

Despite claims from critics and the police union that Grubb was forced to make a “split-second decision,” the grand jury felt it was necessary to hold him accountable for his actions. Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford announced that disciplinary proceedings against Grubb would begin immediately, as individuals under indictment are not legally allowed to possess firearms.

For Young’s family, the indictment brings a sense of closure after nearly a year of demanding justice for their lost loved one. However, the pain of their loss still lingers, as Young’s sister expressed to CBS News, “He took a lot from us. It’s not fair. We don’t have her or the baby. It’s been agony, it’s been like a whirlwind of hurt and pain.” Grubb is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Wednesday, where he will face the consequences of his actions.