COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — It has been almost five years since former Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade shot and killed 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr.
The fifth annual Tank Day was held Saturday in Goodson’s memory. His mother, Tamala Payne, said the event is her way of giving back to the community for all of its continued support and it helps keep her son’s name and legacy alive.
“Casey was just a great kid, very ambitious, very happy, very hardworking,” Payne said. “He was a truck driver, an essential worker through COVID. Great big brother. He was the oldest of ten, so he was like big bro but also dad.”
Meade shot Goodson six times in the back. Meade said Goodson waved a gun at him and refused commands to drop it. Meade went on trial last February for murder in connection to the 2020 death of Goodson; it resulted in a mistrial.
“We come together to keep the memory alive, but also to bring community together to know that even in times of trauma and tragedy, people and families are not alone,” attendee Armando Telles said.
“Tank Day” takes its name from Goodson’s nickname.
“When Casey was born, he was eight pounds and a half an ounce, so when my dad first held him, he was like, ‘My tank man,’” Payne said. “That’s been his name since.”
As Goodson’s family looks ahead to Meade’s retrial later on this year, they said they’re keeping their faith.
“It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” Payne said. “It’s slow. In justice, the wheels turn slow when it’s an officer-involved shooting, but at the end of the day, it builds your strength. It builds your faith. It builds your relationship with God. So, I feel like it’s all going to come together for our good.”
Right before Meade’s retrial, Payne will hold a celebration of life for her son.
“He should be alive,” Payne said. “So, since he’s not, I’ll make sure he stays alive. His legacy and his name will stay alive.”
Meade is charged with one count each of murder and reckless homicide in connection to Goodson’s death. His retrial is set to begin on Dec. 8.
