Ohio officer acquitted in death of pregnant Black mom

Connor Grubb shot Ta’Kiya Young, 21, who had been accused of shoplifting in 2023.

- BY PATRICK AFTOORA-ORSAGOS AND JULIE CARR SMYTH

TA'KIA YOUNG'S grandmother, Nadine Young, reacts as the verdict is read.

(DORAL CHENOWETH Pool Photo)

The Ohio police officer who shot and killed Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black mother who had been accused of shoplifting, was acquitted on all counts Friday, including murder.

Blendon Township police officer Connor Grubb, who faced up to life in prison, appeared stalwart as he heard the verdict. Young’s grandmother, Nadine Young, collapsed into sobs at the decision, shouting “It’s not right! This is not right!”

Sean Walton, an attorney for the Young family, called the outcome “an American tragedy,” lamenting what he said is a dual system of justice in the U.S. The family’s legal team vowed to continue its fight in civil court, where her estate sued the township and police chief over department practices in August.

The officer had pleaded not guilty to murder, involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault in the death of 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young.