Opening statements are expected Wednesday as jury selection wrapped up Tuesday in the trial of a former Franklin County sheriff’s deputy facing murder charges in connection with the shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr.
Goodson's mother, Tamala Payne, said she has faith that the evidence presented in the trial will prove Michael Jason Meade was not justified when he shot Goodson on Dec. 4, 2020.
"I believe that the facts and the evidence will show that Casey was murdered on Dec. 4 and it’s time for him to get accountability,” Payne said outside of the courtroom. “We’re finally here, we’re finally here, we finally can come to a new road of accountability for Casey."
Meade admits to shooting Goodson, but his attorney Mark Collins has argued Meade acted within the law.
The process to seat the jury to try Meade in Franklin County Common Pleas Court started Monday and continued Tuesday. An excess of jurors were brought to the court, because of the high-profile nature of the case.
The potential jurors filled the jury box, half of the courtroom usually reserved for observers and a second overflow room. By midday, the judge sent home about half, leaving about 40 possible jurors. One potential juror was dismissed after telling the court he couldn’t be impartial because of his relationships with police officers.
The jurors are expected to view the site of the shooting following opening statements Wednesday.
Goodson would have turned 27 on Tuesday.
Payne said she feels her son’s presence in the court.
"Right now, I’m not even emotional at all. I’m just keeping my faith in God and knowing that we will prevail,” she said.
