Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: The Continued Pain of the Family of Casey Goodson Jr.
[Columbus, OH] – January 16, 2025 – The family of Casey Goodson Jr. continues to endure unimaginable pain as the trial for Jason Meade, the former Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy who murdered Casey on December 4, 2020, faces yet another delay. Meade’s attorneys have requested a postponement while the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Barnes vs. Felix, a case that centers on how police use-of-force cases should be handled. They argue this case could have direct implications on Meade’s trial, further prolonging the agonizing wait for justice.
Since the day Casey was senselessly murdered, his family has faced an unjust and grueling journey through both the criminal and civil justice systems. It took nearly a year to secure an indictment for Casey’s murder, and now, more than four years later, the trial remains unresolved. These delays are not merely procedural; they inflict profound emotional trauma and deny the family the closure they deserve.
This case underscores a harsh reality: the justice system often fails to protect victims in marginalized communities with urgency, particularly in cases of police misconduct. Instead, it frequently functions in ways that perpetuate oppression, reflecting the troubling origins of policing in America. Even when an officer is clearly guilty of a heinous crime and a gross violation of their office, accountability is elusive. Jason Meade was not fired; he retired with a pension. He was not jailed; he received a light bond and returned home immediately. While Casey’s family has spent over four years fighting for justice, Jason Meade has spent those years at home, celebrating holidays, birthdays, and family milestones—privileges he cruelly robbed from Casey and his loved ones.
Casey’s family is courageous and resilient, and their strength inspires us all. They have navigated a system that seems structured to delay justice, yet their determination remains steadfast. Their experience exposes the systemic flaws of the criminal justice system, which too often shields those in power while neglecting to protect the most vulnerable.
The evidence is undeniable: Jason Meade hunted and executed Casey Goodson Jr., an innocent young man simply walking into his home. No legal loophole or delay can change the facts or prevent the inevitable. Accountability is coming.
While justice has been delayed, it cannot and will not be denied. Jason Meade will face the consequences of his actions. The Goodson family, supported by advocates, concerned citizens, and an entire community, will not rest until this truth is recognized in a court of law by a jury of Franklin County residents—the very people Meade once swore an oath to protect and serve.
We urge the public to remain attentive and supportive of the Goodson family. This case highlights the systemic challenges in achieving justice and the need for accountability for those impacted by such failures. While Casey's story has stayed in the national spotlight for over four years, it is one of many tragedies involving state-sanctioned violence and the systemic legal protections that shield those responsible.
Justice delayed is justice denied—but accountability is on its way.
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