Closing Arguments in Ohio Officer's Murder Trial After Pregnant Woman Shot

Wed Nov 19 2025 15:47:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The jury soon deliberates in the case of Connor Grubb, charged with murder in the fatal police shooting of a pregnant Black mother in Columbus, Ohio.

In the closing arguments of the murder trial for Blendon Township officer Connor Grubb, prosecutors argue that Ta’Kiya Young was not a threat when she was shot in a supermarket parking lot after allegedly attempting to shoplift. The defense claims Grubb's actions were justified due to Young's behavior as her vehicle moved towards him. Grubb faces multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the incident on August 24, 2023, which resulted in the death of Young and her unborn child. The trial concluded with jurors viewing critical evidence, including bodycam footage of the shooting.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Closing arguments in the murder trial of an Ohio officer charged in the shooting death of a pregnant Black mother are set for Wednesday.

Prosecutors asserted that 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young posed no threat at the time she was shot. However, the defense for Blendon Township police officer Connor Grubb contends that Young's vehicle became a lethal force when she accelerated toward the 31-year-old officer, arguing that his reaction was "objectively reasonable."

Grubb faces serious charges including murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault stemming from Young's death on August 24, 2023, and could be sentenced to life in prison. Four of the ten counts against Grubb, connected to the death of Young's unborn daughter, were dismissed by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David Young last Tuesday, citing insufficient proof that Grubb was aware of Young's pregnancy when he fired.

The prosecution and defense wrapped up their arguments on Tuesday following a trial lasting roughly two weeks. Jurors reviewed bodycam footage of the incident on the trial's first day, hearing testimonies from various experts throughout.

Grubb did not take the stand, with his account relayed through a statement presented by a special agent from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Sean Walton, representing Young's family, expressed surprise at Grubb's absence from the witness box, stating, the video speaks for itself. The emotional toll of the events weighed on Young's family, as they await a verdict that they hope will start their healing process.

During the encounter at a Kroger store, Young was accused of shoplifting. Video footage captured her arguing with officers as they demanded she exit her vehicle. Young reportedly asked, Are you going to shoot me? before the situation escalated and Grubb fired a single round through her windshield, resulting in her death shortly thereafter.