June 28, 2025
As I navigate this journey of grief, I actively observe the healing processes of other mothers who have lost their children to murder. I recognize that the grief experience is not the same for everyone, but I’m particularly focused on how some mothers honor their children and ensure their legacies endure. Some mothers choose to remember their children privately. In contrast, some assertively commemorate their child’s loss each year in meaningful ways. It is clear that each approach is valid and speaks to the unique relationship between a mother and her child.
Tamala Payne
On December 4, 2020, Tamala Payne’s son, Casey Goodson Jr., was shot multiple times while trying to enter his grandmother’s home. His death sparked a movement in Columbus, Ohio, addressing the circumstances of his shooting. Casey’s death was one of several involving Black individuals killed by white law enforcement officers in Ohio over the past decade. It occurred at the end of a year marked by widespread protests across the nation following the murder of George Floyd.
Deputy Sheriff Jason Meade was charged with murder and reckless homicide in the December 2020 killing of Casey Goodson Jr. Meade, who is white, shot Goodson six times, including five times in the back, as the 23-year-old Black man tried to enter his grandmother’s home. He stated Goodson waived a firearm at him and refused to drop it.
According to Casey’s family, Casey was coming home from the dentist office with Subway sandwiches. Upon entering his Grandmother’s house, where Casey lived, former Deputy Sheriff Michael Jason Meade shot Casey through the screen door. There were family members and siblings home at the time.
Casey was wearing AirPods when he was shot 6 times in the back. Former Deputy Sheriff Michael Jason Meade took Casey’s life, just 4 days after Thanksgiving. That was the last holiday the entire family spent together.
I remember the outrage that spread throughout our city when this news story broke. I recall crying for that mother and thanking God that I didn’t have to experience such pain.Little did I know that one day, I too, would also endure the excruciating pain of losing my son to gun violence.
The March For Casey Goodson Jr.
On December 12, 2020, hundreds marched peacefully in support of justice for Casey Goodson Jr,. The protest events took place on both Friday night and Saturday during the day in Downtown Columbus on High Street and around the Ohio Statehouse.
Candlelight Vigil For Casey Goodson
On December 4, 2021, the Columbus community came together for a candlelight vigil to remember the life of Casey Goodson Jr.
This marked the first anniversary of his murder.
“We’re celebrating his life, not the day that he passed,” said Goodson’s mother, Tamala Payne.
Authorities arrested Jason Meade earlier that week and charged him with Goodson’s murder.
Payne, said the vigil is not for mourning, but rather a call for justice over her son’s death.
Tank Day
The first annual “Tank Day” for the family of Casey Goodson Jr. was Saturday, June 26, 2021. It’s a day to honor the life and legacy of Casey Jr.
“It’s good to have people come out and celebrate Casey. His name is still out there, and people are still fighting. I fight every day. I keep everybody fighting every day,” said Tamala.
Five years after the murder of Casey Goodson Jr., I found myself attending the fifth annual “Tank Day” to honor him. I felt an unspoken bond with his mother, Tamala Payne; it was a sisterhood. She walked with grace, courage, and strength as she addressed the crowd to thank us for attending this special day dedicated to her son.
I wanted to approach her, hug her, and thank her for being such a wonderful example to mothers who have lost a child to gun violence. I wanted to express that I was now part of this unwanted club along with her, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Sometimes, it’s difficult to talk about John’s murder. I knew I would be a blubbering mess, so instead of speaking with her, I walked over to a swing, sat down, and watched John’s daughter, grinning from ear to ear, as she jumped in the bounce house and petted the zoo animals. This brought comfort to my broken heart and filled my mind with cherished memories of John as a child.
I imagine that hearing the laughter of all the children present today likely stirred similar memories of Casey for Tamala.
Case Update For The Murder of Casey Goodson
In February 2024, the jury ended up deadlocked in the trial of Jason Meade. Casey Goodson Jr’s family is now waiting for a new trial to begin. They are waiting for a Supreme Court ruling on the use of deadly force. Once they have a ruling, they will put Jason Meade’s case into the process for another court date.
#JusticeForCaseyGoodsonJr
#JusticeForJohn
Justice For All Victims of Gun Violence.