Officer Acquitted in Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Woman in Ohio

Sat Nov 22 2025 02:54:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Columbus police officer, Connor Grubb, has been acquitted of all charges, including murder, in the shooting death of Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother accused of shoplifting. The verdict has sparked outrage and raised questions about the justice system.

In a contentious trial, Officer Connor Grubb faced accusations of murder after shooting pregnant Ta’Kiya Young during an alleged shoplifting incident. Despite bodycam evidence and public outcry, he was acquitted on all counts, leading the Young family to pursue civil action against the police department.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — In a trial that has drawn national attention, Blendon Township officer Connor Grubb was acquitted on all counts for the fatal shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother accused of shoplifting. The verdict came as a profound shock to Young’s family and supporters, who had hoped for justice following the tragic incident on August 24, 2023.

Following the jury's decision, Grubb remained composed, while Young’s grandmother, Nadine Young, was overwhelmed by emotion, exclaiming, It’s not right! This is not right! Attorney Sean Walton, representing the Young family, described the ruling as an “American tragedy” and expressed concerns about a dual system of justice for marginalized communities.

The deadly encounter began when officers approached Young's vehicle outside a Kroger store in a suburb of Columbus over allegations of shoplifting alcohol. Bodycam footage revealed a tense confrontation, with officers loudly demanding she exit her vehicle. In distress, Young questioned, Are you going to shoot me? before her vehicle slowly rolled toward Officer Grubb. He then fired a single bullet, striking Young in the chest.

Despite her pleas and the circumstances of the encounter, Judge David Young, who had no familial relation to Ta’Kiya, dismissed four counts related to the death of her unborn child, agreeing with defense arguments regarding lack of evidence showing Grubb's awareness of Young's pregnancy at the time of the shooting.

As the Young family plans to pursue civil lawsuits against the township and police chief, Grubb has been placed on paid administrative leave since the incident. Legal representatives for Young maintain she did not steal anything, asserting a witness saw her leave the store without theft. This incident has stirred discussions on police practices regarding racial bias and the treatment of pregnant women in similar situations.

The implications of this case could echo across a landscape already fraught with tension surrounding law enforcement's use of force and racial equity in the justice system.