COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hundreds of demonstrators descended on the Ohio Statehouse Friday night to protest following the death one week ago of Casey Goodson Jr., a 23-year-old Black man who was allegedly shot and killed by a Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy.
Protests were expected to continue throughout the weekend continuing the momentum from a protest that started at Friday at 6 p.m. on High Street.
Demonstrators marched up and down the downtown corridor chanting calls for justice. Police stood back as crowds surrounded a group of organizers who brushed yellow paint on High Street in front of the Statehouse.
“I’m out because this happened right down the street from my buddy, and this happens so frequently,” said Danny McCallum. “It’s important that we come out and make our voice heard in a way that’s concise but also peaceful.”
The protest remained peaceful, though some said they were tired of being peaceful.
Jacqueline Casimire who took part in the protest Friday said it had special meaning to her.
“Me personally because I have lost a son to street violence or violence in the street — just bring awareness to the racial divide that keeps this happening. We have to stand up and be seen and be heard.”
"Enough is ENOUGH," the event creators wrote in the page. "After months of demonstration against police brutality and disproportionate murder of Black people, it has happened again. Join us in peaceful protest to demand justice for Casey Goodson Jr. The beloved son, brother, cousin, friend, neighbor and community member. As always, wear masks, social distance, and bundle up! Bring your signs and help us demand justice, accountability, and transparency.”
Another protest is planned for 12 p.m. Saturday in front of the Statehouse
On Dec. 4 , Goodson was returning to his home after a dentist appointment when he was shot, according to Walton + Brown, LLP, one of the lawfirms representing the family. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office said a gun was found at the scene, but the family says he had a license for concealed carry.
“Casey was a hardworking American, full of life and full of love,” Walton said. “Casey was not a suspect. Casey was not involved in any criminal investigation," said Attorney Sean Walton.
Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Meade has been accused of shooting Goodson, but it's unknown what led to the confrontation.
The Ohio Attorney General’s office declined to investigate because it wasn't aware of the confrontation until three days after interviews with witnesses had been completed. However, David DeVillers, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced this week he is reviewing the case alongside the Columbus police (CPD), the F.B.I's Cincinnati office, and the Civil Rights Divison of the Justice Department.
Earlier this week, Franklin County Coroner Dr. Anahi Ortiz released preliminary results of Goodson's autopsy, saying he was shot multiple times in the torso. They family's attorneys said it didn't answer key questions, such as if he was shot from the back or the front.
Tamala Payne, Goodson's mother, and the attorneys held a press conference Thursday morning calling for more transparency in the case.
“That is all I am calling for. I want justice. I want Jason Meade arrested. I want Jason charged.”
Shortly after, Mark C. Collins CO LPA, the lawfirm representing Meade, released a statement in response saying the deputy acted in self-defense.
"At no time did Deputy Meade mistake a sandwich for a gun. Mr. Goodson pointed his gun at Deputy Meade. There has been confirmation that our client gave verbal commands for Mr. Goodson to drop the gun. There have been no eye witnesses to the shooting identified. The released 911 call makes it clear nobody witnessed the shooting from inside the house," the lawfirm stated.
Many details about the case are unknown. The department has yet to release body camera footage from the incident.
Late Thursday, attorneys for the Goodson family responded to Meade's lawyers, saying the claims stated are so far unfounded.
“Despite what Jason Meade now claims were the circumstances surrounding this shooting, the public should not forget that neither the City of Columbus nor any other investigatory agency has alleged that Casey Goodson pointed a gun before Meade pulled the trigger. With Meade’s statement issued nearly one full week after he killed Casey, it is critical to note that this is a classic defense often claimed by police after they shoot and kill someone. It is also critical to remember that often the evidence does not support these claims."
During the press conference, Payne said the deputies at the scene used inappropriate language toward her. The Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin said Thursday night his department is currently investigating those claims.
On Friday morning, the Columbus Education Association (CEA) made a statement, saying it's "devastated" one of their graduates passed away allegedly at the hands of law enforcement.
“Casey was my refuel at a time I wanted to throw in the towel. He was my reason to keep pouring my soul into my current students. He became my constant motivation when the frustrations would outweigh the purpose. Casey did not know each time he randomly checked on me, he was the lighter that would relight my candle of passion when the career barriers seemed to be too much," wrote Malissa Thomas-St. Clair, a veteran Columbus City Schools teacher and CEA member at Champion Middle School.