Use-of-force expert testifies officer created danger in death of Ta’Kiya Young

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A use-of-force expert told jurors Tuesday that Blendon Township Officer Connor Grubb put himself at unnecessary risk before fatally shooting Ta’Kiya Young in 2023.

Professor Seth Stoughton, the final witness of 17 called in the murder trial, testified that Grubb’s positioning in front of Young’s vehicle offered “no increase in tactical benefit” while exposing the officer to danger.

“Here I am like a traffic cone, standing in front of you,” he said. “No increase in tactical benefit, but exposing the officer to risk.”

Stoughton questioned why Grubb stepped into the path of Young’s car as officers confronted her outside a Kroger store.

“Why would you put yourself in that type of danger? Just stay out of the way,” he said.

The encounter began when a Kroger employee flag