$7 million settlement approved for Casey Goodson Jr. death lawsuit

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Franklin County commissioners on Tuesday approved a $7 million settlement in the civil lawsuit over Casey Goodson Jr.’s death.

Agenda documents from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners confirmed the settlement proposal, as well as the commissioners’ plan to approve it during their general session at 9 a.m. Goodson’s estate sued the county and ex-deputy Jason Meade after he shot the 23-year-old to death in 2020. Meade took disability retirement the same year, and is facing a murder charge in a separate criminal trial.

Goodson’s estate, represented by Walton + Brown LLP, accused the defendants of excessive force, wrongful death and a Monell claim of misconduct by law enforcement. But as part of the multimillion-dollar settlement, the plaintiffs would dismiss all claims. The county, sheriff’s office and Meade would not have to admit any liability as well.

Walton + Brown shared a statement with NBC4 after the settlement was approved.

“This settlement marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Casey and his loved ones,” attorneys wrote. “Since that fateful day, Casey’s family has endured immense pain and hardship, navigating a long and challenging journey toward justice … While no amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of Casey, this settlement is a crucial acknowledgment of the profound impact his death has had on his family and the broader community.”

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The settlement breaks down to pay out as follows, according to the commission resolution:

• $4,285,000 to Walton + Brown

• $1,315,000 to Pacific Life and Annuity Services, Inc.

• $1,300,000 to New York Life Insurance Company

• $100,000 to United of Omaha Life Insurance Company

Originally facing two counts of murder and one count of reckless homicide in his first, deadlocked trial, prosecutors chose to drop the first murder count in June. In his second trial scheduled for Nov. 4, he will only face the leftover two counts.

Throughout the trial, Meade asserted he feared for his life on Dec. 4, 2020, when he shot Goodson, a Black man. Meade was coming off an assignment with the U.S. Marshals Service and claimed to see Goodson waving a gun while driving. After pursuing Goodson to his grandmother’s house on Estates Place in north Columbus, Meade said Goodson was standing in the doorway of the house when he pointed his gun back at Meade.

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The state, meanwhile, had argued that the shooting was unjustified, citing a lack of corroboration that Goodson pointed his gun — which he had a permit to carry — either in his car or at his door, as well as the fact that Goodson was wearing AirPods at the time of the shooting. Goodson was shot six times, five of which hit his back.

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