Family of Casey Christopher Goodson, Jr. Demands Answers in His Death
Family of slain Casey Goodson Jr. seek justice and retain representation from Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein and Walton + Brown law firms after being shot and killed by Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy.
DECEMBER 6, 2020 (Columbus, OH) – The Family of Casey Christopher Goodson, Jr. demands answers after Casey was shot and killed by a police officer on December 4, 2020. Casey was an amazing young man whose life was tragically taken after being confronted by a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy who was working with the US Marshal’s Southern Ohio Fugitive Task Force. Casey was not a target of that task force and his death is completely unrelated to that investigation. While police claim that Casey drove by, waving a gun and was confronted by the deputy after exiting his vehicle, that narrative leaves out key details that raise cause for extreme concern.
Casey was shot and killed as he unlocked his door and entered his home. His death was witnessed by his 72-year-old grandmother and two toddlers who were near the door. Casey was coming home from a dentist appointment that day. As Casey lay on the ground dying, the unopened Subway sandwiches that he bought for himself and his family sat next to him in a pool of blood. Even hours after his death, the keys that he used to let himself in the house as he was shot and killed hung in the door – a reminder to his family of how close he was to safety.
Casey is not alleged to have committed any crimes, has no criminal background and was not the target of any investigation. Casey was licensed to carry a concealed weapon and Ohio does not prohibit the open carrying of firearms. It is troubling that authorities have already stated that they believe the shooting to be justified, prior to any investigation taking place and before any information has been released to the family. The police continue to withhold the name of the deputy who shot Casey. At this point, witness testimony and physical evidence raise serious concerns about why Casey was even confronted, let alone why he was shot dead while entering his own home.
The family of Casey Goodson has retained the law firms of Walton + Brown, LLP and FG+G. “Casey was a vocal supporter of civil rights, freedom, and justice for all,” says Sean Walton, partner at Walton + Brown, LLP. “As I have come to learn more about Casey, what stands out to me is how proud he was to protect his family and to show his younger siblings the right way to live. It is important that his name and legacy continue in a way that is befitting of his short yet powerful life. Our hope is that people stand with Casey with the same passion that Casey stood with people. Our demand is that the authorities provide the family with answers for Casey’s death and that the officer involved be held accountable. The family and the community demand swift justice for Casey Goodson.”
“We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into Casey’s tragic death. Police who use deadly force outside the bounds of the law endangers our communities and must be held accountable” says Sarah Gelsomino, partner at FG+G. The family asks that any witnesses with information come forward and contact their attorneys.