Ta'Kiya Young's grandmother reflects after Ohio officer found not guilty in her death

Key Concepts

• Civil Lawsuit: A legal action brought by one party against another in a civil court, seeking monetary damages or other remedies.
• Criminal Case: A legal action brought by the government against an individual accused of committing a crime.
• Acquittal: A judgment of not guilty in a criminal case.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: The unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, often through recklessness or criminal negligence.
• Reasonable Doubt: The standard of proof required in criminal cases, meaning the prosecution must prove guilt to the extent that there is no logical explanation for the facts except that the defendant committed the crime.
• Objectively Reasonable Use of Force: A legal standard in the United States that allows law enforcement officers to use force that is objectively reasonable and necessary to effectuate an arrest, prevent escape, or defend themselves or others.
• Deadly Force: Force likely to cause death or great bodily harm.
• De-escalation: The use of communication and tactics to reduce the intensity of a conflict or situation, preventing it from escalating to violence.
• Discovery: The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit where parties exchange information and evidence.
• Trial: A formal examination of evidence in court by a judge and often a jury, who then make a decision in civil or criminal cases.

Civil Lawsuit to be Filed After Officer Acquitted in Takaya Young's Killing

The family of Takaya Young, a 21-year-old woman who was seven months pregnant at the time of her death, has announced their intention to file a civil lawsuit following the acquittal of Ohio police officer Connor Grub. A jury found Officer Grub not guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Young's killing in 2023.

Incident Details and Prosecution's Argument

The incident occurred when police confronted Young on suspicion of shoplifting liquor from a Kroger grocery store. Body camera footage captured Young refusing to exit her vehicle. Subsequently, the car began to roll forward towards Officer Grub, who then discharged his firearm, resulting in the deaths of Young and her unborn child.

Prosecutors had argued that police department guidelines mandate officers to take reasonable steps to move out of the path of an approaching vehicle.

Defense's Argument and Jury Verdict

Officer Grub's defense attorneys contended that his use of force was "objectively reasonable" because Young's vehicle constituted deadly force. The jury, after considering the evidence, delivered a verdict of "not guilty of involuntary manslaughter."

Family's Reaction and Emotional Impact

Naen Young, Takaya's grandmother, expressed profound distress and disappointment upon hearing the not guilty verdict. She stated that the family is currently enduring a "devastating struggle" and that the outcome was "not what we expected at all."

Regarding Takaya's two other children, Naen Young explained that they do not fully comprehend the criminal case. The family is focusing on surrounding them with "a whole lot of love" and providing them with guidance.

Civil Lawsuit: Goals and Strategy

Attorney Shawn Walton Jr., representing the Young family, articulated the family's goal to prove in the civil case what the jury could not find "beyond a reasonable doubt" in the criminal proceedings. Walton emphasized that the video evidence is "clear" and "very transparent" regarding the events.

The family's objective is to ensure that a jury in the civil case understands that the shooting was "not reasonable" and that Officer Grub's actions were not indicative of "normal police behavior." Walton argued that Officer Grub "should have de-escalated that day" and that drawing his weapon "escalated that situation" and "led directly to her death."

The defense in the civil case will aim to demonstrate that the car was moving slowly and that there was "no reason why Connor Grub should have had to shoot to preserve his own life." The family asserts that Grub "took two lives that day."

Path Forward for the Civil Case

Walton stated that the family is proceeding "full steam ahead" with the civil case and is currently in the discovery phase. He expressed hope that the family will not be subjected to a civil process that could take years before a trial date. However, they are "prepared for a trial should it get there." The family is also "open" to a resolution if the opposing party wishes to "resolve this and to allow the community to heal and this family to heal."

Defining Justice for the Family

When asked what justice looks like, Naen Young stated, "I know God going to get the final word." She expressed that it is "hurtful that it didn't happen in the court system" because she believes the jurors did not perceive the events as she did from the video. She described seeing Officer Grub standing "on the side of the car when he shot that bullet in her heart and killed her and the baby," which she found "traumatic and devastating." She believes it was evident that he was "not in harm's way."

Naen Young concluded that Officer Grub "has got to deal with this the rest of his life" and "deal with we did."

Remembering Takaya Young

Naen Young described Takaya as a "shining light," a "sparkly young lady" who "loved life." She was a devoted mother who treated her sons "like gold" and consistently strived to provide for them. Takaya is remembered as a "bright light" whose presence is now gone but whose spirit continues to "shine."