COLUMBUS, OHIO: The devastated family of Ta'Kiya Young has called her death not justified and a “criminal act” as body camera footage of the fatal incident has been realesed.
The video was released on Friday, September 1, and showed an unidentified Blendon Township cop shooting the 21-year-old six-month pregnant Young via her car’s windshield, CNN reported.
It has been said that the extreme step was taken by the officer after Young was accused of stealing alcohol from Kroger.
What does Ta'Kiya Young's shooting video show?
The Columbus Dispatch reported that the footage was retrieved from two officers’ bodycam, one of whom was allegedly behind the fatal shooting of the woman, as the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation probes the case.
The incident happened at nearly 6:20 pm on August 24 in the parking lot of the Kroger at 5991 S Sunbury Road. The footage shows one of the officers speaking to Young who was inside her Sedan while another one stands near the car’s hood.
She reportedly questioned the cop as to why she had been stopped and was told, “They said you stole something….get out of the car.”
“I didn’t steal sh*t,” Young replied before trying to drive away.
However, the second cop shot her, leading to her death along with her unborn child at Young Mount Carmel St Ann's hospital.
Ta'Kiya Young's family slams shooting
Through their lawyer Sean Walton, the mother-of-two’s family said, as per the Daily Mail, “The video did nothing but confirm their fears that Ta'Kiya was murdered unjustifiably...and it was just heartbreaking for them to see Ta'Kiya having her life taken away under such ridiculous circumstances.”
He mentioned, “Ta'Kiya's family is heartbroken.”
Besides, a statement shared read, “Ta'Kiya was a beacon of love, strength and energy to all who knew her.”
“Her tragic passing has left a void that words can't describe, especially for her two young sons, who must now grow up without the love and guidance of their mother, and while coming to understand the circumstances that led to her homicide,” it stated.
The statement also added, “This incident goes beyond the obvious policy violations that occurred. After seeing the video footage of her death, this is clearly a criminal act.”
What did the police say about Ta'Kiya Young's shooting?
Police have defended the shooting. A statement reportedly said, “When Ms Young drove her car directly at Officer #1, striking him, Officer #1 became a victim of attempted vehicular assault.”
It added, “When Ms Young pulled away from Officer #2 while his hand and part of his arm was still in the driver’s side window, Officer #2 became a victim of misdemeanor assault.”
Meanwhile, the cop who allegedly killed Young has been put on administrative leave. However, the second one is back at work.
Chief John Belford reportedly said, “I returned him to duty, as our staffing is already very limited.”
