Family mourns 4 years since Casey Goodson Jr.'s death as judge weighs trial request

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Franklin County judge could decide as soon as next week whether to move a high-profile trial out of the county.

It would be a rare move in the case against now-retired Franklin County sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade. Meade is charged with murder and reckless homicide for shooting and killing Casey Goodson Jr. four years ago this week. 

His lawyers said he can’t get a fair trial here because his name is too well known. A jury could not reach a verdict in his first trial earlier this year, and his second trial is scheduled for February 2025.

Goodson’s family said they still pray for closure every day. His mother, Tamala Payne, said Dec. 4 is always an emotional day for her.

“I still pray. I still lean on God. And I know that eventually we will prevail," Payne said. 

Payne said the first thing she did Wednesday morning was read through her text messages with her son from four years ago that day. 

“It just said, 'I love you,' with a whole bunch of emojis,” Payne said. 

Hours after those texts were sent, Goodson was shot and killed. Goodson was shot in the back six times while walking into his grandmother's home. 

Meade claimed he saw Goodson point a gun at him from his car. Meade said he followed Goodson to investigate and said he yelled several times to drop the weapon.  Bloody AirPods were found by Goodson's body along with a handgun. Goodson had a concealed carry license.

“I don't want to continue to allow it to hinder me or my feelings. So I just was like, we're of the day. We're just going to celebrate Casey," Payne said. 

Payne said Sunday they will hold a celebration of life in his honor from 3-7 p.m. at the Impact Community Action Building, 711 Southwood Ave. Payne said proceeds made in a raffle at the event will go back toward the community.

Payne said at first it was hard to accept that the jury could not reach a verdict.

“The family has to testify all over again. And they have to listen to our testimony regarding how Casey was killed and, you know, just very gruesome details. And so that part is difficult,” said Sean Walton, Goodson's family lawyer.

Payne said nothing can truly prepare her to walk back into that courtroom, but she prays every day. She said she believes the last trial was not her time but she believes this time it will be.

“I'll keep my faith and I'll keep praying. But I believe that year 25 is Casey's to be victorious," Payne said.

Payne said she will be at the hearing on Thursday.