On Thursday, the individual who was previously a firearms instructor and faced charges in the tragic shooting that resulted in the death of an Ohio corrections officer during a training exercise, was sentenced.
David Pearson faced legal consequences for the tragic shooting of Lt. Rodney Osbourne on April 9. Our news partners WBNS-10 TV reported that Pearson was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
News Center 7 had previously reported that Pearson had pleaded guilty to negligent homicide earlier this month, despite originally pleading not guilty.
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Osbourne sustained a gunshot wound while participating in a training exercise at the Corrections Training Academy in Pickaway County.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating his death as a reckless homicide, which has caused frustration and concern.
According to a previous News Center 7 report, documents provided to WBNS-10 TV by the attorney of Osborne’s widow reveal that Osborne, along with 14 others, was participating in a 40-hour training exercise for the Special Tactics and Response Team at the Corrections Training Academy in Orient. The training was being led by Pearson and five other S.T.A.R instructors.
According to Pearson’s attorney, he observed Lt. Osborne facing difficulties in taking out his pistol from his holster and aiming it at the target during one of the exercises.
He proceeded to stand in front of Osborne and initiated what he referred to as a “mirror drill”. During this exercise, he directed Osborne to replicate his movements as they stood facing each other.
According to a previous report by News Center 7, officials from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) have stated that the policies and procedures of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction do not mention a specific drill called the “mirror drill.” However, there are certain circumstances where pointing a firearm at someone may be allowed, provided that specific conditions are met.
“Prior to the shooting, Mr. Pearson’s actions did not meet the specific conditions required by ODRC policy and procedure to point his firearm at Mr. Osborne,” the report read.
According to Director Annette Chambers-Smith, Pearson was terminated by the ODRC in August. Osborne, who had been with the ODRC for 13 years and was employed at the Southern Ohio Corrections Facility in Scioto County, was involved in the case.
Osborne, the commander of the Special Response Team, was recently recognized as the employee of the year at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.