September 5th 2023.
On September 1, Ohio police released the disturbing bodycam footage of the shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant Black woman. The video showed two officers standing at the driver’s side window of Young’s care and ordering her to “get out of the car.” The officers accused Young of shoplifting and, when she did not comply, one of them fired through her front windshield, fatally striking the young Black mother.
The video’s release was met with outrage from Young’s family, who released a statement on Friday through their attorney, Sean Walton. The statement read, “Having viewed the footage in its entirety, it is undeniable that Ta’Kiya’s death was not only avoidable, but also a gross misuse of power and authority.” Walton further affirmed that they would seek criminal indictment of the officers involved in Young’s death due to the authorities delaying the release of the bodycam footage.
Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford explained the delay was procedural, as the staff had to process the video and adequately redact the identifiable information of the officers involved. The two officers seen in the footage are now on paid administrative leave as the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation closely examines the details of the shooting.
Tragically, Young’s unborn baby, who was expected to arrive in November, did not survive the incident. She also leaves behind two sons, 6-year-old Ja’Kobie and 3-year-old Ja’Kenlie. The Young family’s grief at the loss of their daughter and sister underscores the need for reform in the justice system and the use of force.
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