Rep. Joyce Beatty releases statement on shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr

Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-OH 3rd District, said Monday in a statement that she is "at a loss of words over the killing of Casey Christopher Goodson, Jr."

"Like many in the community, I am at a loss of words over the killing of Casey Christopher Goodson, Jr. The circumstances surrounding his tragic death are upsetting and extremely unsettling because too many Black men in our community are dying or are the victims of unjustifiable, excessive force from the very people sworn to protect and serve all of us. I join Casey's family, friends, and the entire community in demanding accountability and seeking justice for his senseless killing," Beatty said.

Authorities said Goodson Jr., 23, was shot and killed by Franklin County Deputy Jason Meade on Friday, Dec. 4.

The shooting is being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

Meade is permanently assigned to work with U.S. Marshals. During an operation in the Northland area of Columbus, police said Meade reported witnessing a man with a gun.

According to Columbus Police, Meade was investigating the situation and there were reports of a verbal exchange. Police said Meade fired at Goodson Jr., resulting in his death.

Police said a gun was recovered from Goodson. According to police, Goodson was not the person who was sought by the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office said Meade is not currently on duty and is waiting to be interviewed by the Columbus Police Critical Incident and Response Team.

The shooting was initially being investigated by Columbus Police, but Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin said BCI has taken over the investigation in the interest of maximum transparency.

This article was originally published by ABC 6 on December 7, 2020.