PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — The family of an Ohio corrections officer who was shot and killed during a training exercise earlier this year continues to look for answers as the man charged appeared in court on Wednesday.
David Pearson, 44, was charged with negligent homicide in the death of Lt. Rodney Osbourne during a training exercise at the Corrections Training Academy in Pickaway County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the shooting occurred at the tactical firing range, with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction calling it a “tragic accident.”
An autopsy report revealed that Osborne was struck just above his bulletproof vest.
Mark Kitrick, the attorney representing Osborne's family, said family members are upset with how the entire case is being handled. He added that state officials and the judge have not disclosed details on what led to Osborne's shooting death.
"We don't know anything yet. We don't even know what happened exactly. We don't understand how you can make this a misdemeanor when it's a state and federal crime," Kitrick said.
He said they still don’t have a narrative of what exactly happened that day and how prosecutors arrived at the misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide.
“We don’t have a narrative either. We are waiting for the unredacted investigation. Right now when I print it, all the black ink is out on my printer. We’re all anxious to see what really happened and who is going to come forward and tell us the truth,” he said. “There’s no justice or accountability with a misdemeanor when an officer of his great demeanor and stature is gone forever.”
Pearson and his attorney, Kevin Lennen, did not speak with reporters after the hearing.
Pickaway County Prosecutor Judy Wolford is out of her office until later this month. Assistant Prosecutor Jayme Hartley Fountain stepped in on her behalf and did not speak to 10TV after the hearing on the case.
A hearing for Pearson's trial is scheduled for September 13. If convicted, he could face 180 days in county jail and $1,000 in fines.