Testimony continues in Connor Grubb trial — live coverage

The trial continues for Blendon Township Police Officer Connor Grubb, who is charged in the death of Ta’Kiya Young outside a Kroger store in August 2023.

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BACKGROUND:

Grubb faces charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault in connection with the shooting.

Prosecutors say they have nearly 80 potential witnesses, but are not expected to call all of them to testify.

The case will be tried by four special prosecutors from Montgomery County. Judge David Young, who has overseen several officer-involved trials, will preside over Grubb's trial.

The trial is expected to last about three weeks at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Nov. 14 — Forensic reconstructionist Dr. Jeremy Bauer

The prosecution is expected to rest its case today after a tense morning in court. Final testimony from the prosecution sparked friction between attorneys as they argued over the scope of his testimony.

Body-camera footage shows Young’s car moving forward while Grubb stands in front of it, and jurors will have to determine whether the shooting was justified.

Forensic reconstructionist Dr. Jeremy Bauer testified that synchronized video indicates Grubb was not in the vehicle’s path when he fired the fatal shot. His cross-examination quickly grew heated, leading Judge Young to repeatedly warn that Bauer could not speak to Grubb’s intent.

Nov. 13 — Biomechanics expert, BCI special agent and coroner testify

Because of a scheduling issue, the defense called one of its witnesses out of order — biomechanics and kinesiology expert Dr. Geoffrey Desmoulin — who testified about whether Grubb could have moved out of the way of Young’s moving car.

“It would not have been possible for Grubb to react quickly enough after sensing continuous movement of the Lexus driven by Young to move out of the travel path of the vehicle before his lower body was contacted by its front bumper,” Desmoulin testified.

Jurors also heard from Franklin County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger, who described the cause of death for Young’s unborn child.

Nov. 13 — Biomechanics expert, BCI special agent and coroner testify

Because of a scheduling issue, the defense called one of its witnesses out of order — biomechanics and kinesiology expert Dr. Geoffrey Desmoulin — who testified about whether Grubb could have moved out of the way of Young’s moving car.

“It would not have been possible for Grubb to react quickly enough after sensing continuous movement of the Lexus driven by Young to move out of the travel path of the vehicle before his lower body was contacted by its front bumper,” Desmoulin testified.

Jurors also heard from Franklin County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger, who described the cause of death for Young’s unborn child.

The final witness of the day was BCI Special Agent Matthew Austin, who took crime scene photographs and measured the bullet’s trajectory into Young’s car.

The state is expected to rest its case Friday, after which the defense will begin calling its remaining witnesses.

A full day of testimony Wednesday focused on the actions of Grubb on the day of the shooting.

According to court testimony, Grubb told state investigators he feared for his life when Young accelerated her car while he was standing in front of it.

Bureau of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Kyle Douglass, who led the investigation, confirmed that video of the incident appeared to show the vehicle striking Grubb.

Westerville firefighter and paramedic Nick Adkins testified about treating Grubb following the shooting and said Grubb declined medical transport despite being advised to.

The state is expected to call more witnesses Thursday. Due to scheduling issues, the defense will also call one of its witnesses to testify.

Nov. 10 — Testimony begins

Emotions ran high Monday during the first day of testimony in the murder trial of Blendon Township officer Connor Grubb.

Family members of Ta’Kiya Young became visibly upset and left the courtroom as prosecutors played body camera video of the 2023 shooting. Some jurors appeared emotional, wiping away tears as the footage showed Young receiving medical attention after being shot.

Six witnesses testified Monday, including store employees, bystanders and first responders. Prosecutors focused on the risks of shooting into a vehicle, while the defense emphasized Grubb’s position in front of Young’s car.

Court will recess Tuesday for Veterans Day and resume Wednesday.