Justice must apply equally to everyone — including police officers.

We, the undersigned residents of Franklin County, Ohio, and supporters of equal justice everywhere, respectfully call upon Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor, Judge David C. Young and Special Prosecutors Tim Merkle and Gary Shroyer to:

•Pursue the maximum sentence allowed by law for Jason Meade’s reckless homicide conviction;

•Pursue all lawful avenues for forfeiture of Jason Meade’s public pension and retirement benefits connected to his service as a law enforcement officer; and

•Pursue a third trial on the murder charge in the killing of Casey Goodson Jr.

This request is not rooted in vengeance or hostility toward law enforcement. It is rooted in accountability, transparency, equal justice under the law, and restoring public trust in the integrity of the justice system. Anything less would send a dangerous message that law enforcement officers receive preferential treatment when they commit crimes against the very citizens they are sworn to protect.

We believe the maximum sentence is justified because:

• Casey Goodson Jr. lost his life in an act a jury determined to be criminal.

• Jason Meade remained free for years while Casey Goodson Jr.’s family endured grief, trauma, and delays in justice.

• The circumstances of the shooting were severe enough to warrant the strongest sentence available under Ohio law.

• A sentence below the maximum risks further damaging public trust in Franklin County’s justice system.

• Public servants who abuse the authority entrusted to them must be held fully accountable.

Too many members of the public believe there has historically been unequal treatment within the justice system when law enforcement officers are charged with crimes. Whether that perception is fully accurate or not, the mistrust itself is real and deeply felt throughout many communities. Equal justice under the law cannot exist if sentencing standards change depending on the defendant’s profession or badge.

In addition to maximum incarceration, we call for forfeiture of Jason Meade’s publicly funded pension benefits to the fullest extent allowed by Ohio law.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2929.192, courts may order forfeiture of retirement and pension benefits when a public employee commits certain felony offenses connected to their official duties. The law states that when a felony offense is committed “while serving in a position of honor, trust, or profit,” the court may order forfeiture of pension rights and retirement benefits associated with public service.

Police officers should not continue receiving taxpayer-funded retirement benefits after being convicted of crimes committed under the authority of their office. Public pensions are intended to reward honorable public service — not criminal conduct.

We also call upon prosecutors to pursue a third murder trial. We believe the evidence supports a murder conviction; Casey Goodson Jr. was shot six times, through his screen door, from behind while entering his home - with all gunshot wounds traveling from back to front. Casey was wearing AirPods and listening to music, making it unlikely that he even knew Jason Meade was behind him before the shooting began.

Given Jason Meade’s years of law enforcement training, firearms experience, and military service as a U.S. Marine, we believe he understood that repeatedly firing into a person’s back would likely strike vital organs and result in death. Therefore, we believe the facts and circumstances support continued pursuit of the murder charge.

The murder charge against Jason Meade has now resulted in two hung juries — not acquittals. Importantly, the overwhelming majority of jurors across both trials reportedly favored conviction on the murder charge:

• In the first trial, the reported split was 9-3 in favor of conviction.

• In the second trial, the reported split was 10-2 in favor of conviction.

These outcomes demonstrate that a substantial majority of jurors believed the evidence supported a murder conviction. The public deserves to know that prosecutors will continue pursuing justice when the overwhelming majority of jurors repeatedly support conviction in a case involving the death of a civilian.

We further believe that public confidence requires a jury process that is unquestionably impartial and free from even the appearance of bias or conflicts of interest. During the most recent proceedings, concerns were raised by members of the public regarding prospective jurors who openly expressed strong pro-law-enforcement views, as well as concerns regarding a juror with a personal connection to individuals involved in the defense.

While we respect the role of the court and acknowledge that jurors are vetted through the legal process, these concerns contributed to broader public doubts about whether the jury was fully impartial.

In a case of this magnitude — involving a former law enforcement officer and the death of a civilian — it is essential that any future jury be selected with extraordinary care to ensure complete neutrality and public confidence in the outcome.

We are therefore respectfully demanding:

-The maximum sentence allowed by law for Jason Meade’s reckless homicide conviction.

-Full consideration of all lawful avenues for forfeiture of Jason Meade’s pension and retirement benefits connected to his service as a law enforcement officer.

-A third trial on the murder charge against Jason Meade with a fully impartial jury process.

The repeated mistrials on the murder charge should not be interpreted as vindication. A hung jury is not an acquittal. The substantial majority of jurors across two separate trials favored conviction, and the community deserves to see the judicial process carried through to its conclusion.

The people of Franklin County are watching. The public deserves accountability, transparency, and faith that the justice system works equally for all.

Justice must be equal.

Justice must be meaningful.

Justice for Casey Goodson Jr. requires accountability.

YouTube documentary and live trial coverage: Search “Jason Meade Trial” and “Casey Goodson Jr.” online for full trial coverage, documentaries, and legal analysis from multiple sources.

David Young

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