Release of Bodycam Footage Captures Ohio Police Officer’s Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Woman Ta’Kiya Young

On Friday, Ohio law enforcement agencies released body camera footage that depicted the fatal shooting of Ta’Kiya Young by a police officer, an incident that her family has condemned as a “severe abuse of power and authority” against the expectant Black mother.

Sean Walton, legal counsel for the Young family, contended that the video unambiguously demonstrated that the shooting of the 21-year-old woman on August 24 was unwarranted. Walton urged for the immediate termination and legal prosecution of the officer responsible for her death. He also reproached the police department for withholding the footage for over a week subsequent to the incident.

“In conversation with The Big Big News, Walton articulated the family’s grief. “The footage only fortified their belief that Ta’Kiya’s death was inexcusable. Both Ta’Kiya and her young daughter were killed without any justifiable cause, rendering the viewing of the footage a deeply harrowing experience for the family.”

As per standard procedures, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave while the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation undertakes a review of the case. No comments were received from the police union regarding the family’s demands for the officer’s firing and legal action. The identities, ethnicities, and ranks of the involved officers remain undisclosed. The second officer at the scene has since been reinstated to active duty.

Blendon Township Police Chief John described the event as a “tragic occurrence.” “Ms. Young’s family is understandably grappling with immense sorrow,” he noted. “While their anguish is beyond our full comprehension, we can offer our thoughts and prayers during this distressing time.”

This event is another in a troubling string of lethal shootings involving Black individuals in Ohio, prompting public outcry and calls for systemic change.

Prior to the public release of the footage, the video was screened for Young’s father, grandmother, and other family members, who then issued a statement through Walton. “The video firmly establishes that Ta’Kiya’s death was not only preventable but also a blatant abuse of power,” read the statement. “Upon watching the video, emotions of anger and frustration were palpable,” Walton disclosed to The Big Big News.

The footage shows one officer conversing with Young through her car’s driver-side window, informing her of theft accusations and demanding she exit the vehicle. Another officer stands in front of the car. Young resists and as she turns the steering wheel, the officer in front fires through the windshield. Her car subsequently collides with a grocery store’s brick wall.

Addressing criticisms over the delayed release of the video, Chief Belford explained that the time taken was due to the need for editing and compliance with Ohio law, which required redacting specific details like the faces and badge numbers of the officers.

Belford also stated that the identities of the officers could not be disclosed yet, as they are being treated as victims of assault. He mentioned that one officer’s arm was still partially inside the car’s window and another officer was positioned in front of the vehicle when Young moved the car forward.

Ta’Kiya Young’s death adds to a growing list of fatal shootings of Black individuals in Ohio.

A fund to cover Young’s funeral expenses has amassed over $7,000. Her surviving family, including her sons aged 6 and 3, are grappling with the loss, struggling to comprehend the gravity of the incident, according to Walton.

Describing her granddaughter, Nadine Young remarked at a press conference, “She was a devoted mother and sibling, eager for the birth of her daughter. She will be deeply missed.”

Contributions to this report were made by Aaron Morrison in New York; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; Michael Rubinkam in northeastern Pennsylvania; and video journalist Patrick Orsagos in Columbus.

Samantha Hendrickson is part of the Big Big News/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a nonprofit national service program focused on bolstering local journalism.

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More about Fatal Police Shooting of Ta’Kiya Young

• Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Blendon Township Police Department Statement
• Fundraiser for Ta’Kiya Young’s Funeral Expenses
• Historical Data on Police Shootings in Ohio
• Big Big News Official Website
• Report for America Statehouse News Initiative
• Sean Walton, Legal Counsel for Young’s Family
• Ohio State Law on Police Bodycam Footage