The Franklin County Coroner in Ohio has classified the death of Ma’Khia Bryant as a homicide. Autopsy reports show that the Black teenage girl was shot four times by officer Nicholas Reardon on April 20, which led to her death. Shortly after the autopsy reports were shared with the public, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement regarding the matter.
“The autopsy report of Ma’Khia Bryant was released today by the office of Franklin County Coroner Dr. Anahi Ortiz. Earlier this summer, this matter was assigned to Special Prosecutors H. Tim Merkle and Gary Shroyer as the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney serves as legal counsel for Franklin County Children Services,” the statement reads.
“Prosecutor Tyack continues his commitment to the community to ensure transparency and justice in each case that comes to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Tyack has complete confidence in Mr. Merkle and Mr. Shroyer and their talent, experience, and professional ethics. We will continue to keep the community apprised of the status of this matter as events warrant.”
News of Bryant’s death circulated around the country shortly after former officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd in Minneapolis. On April 20, officer Nicholas Reardon responded to an altercation involving Bryant and another person in the nearby area. Body camera footage shows Reardon hopping out of the card and firing four shots at Bryant less than 30 seconds after arriving at the scene. He has not been charged or arrested regarding the matter.
