Ma’Khia Bryant’s death has officially been ruled a homicide by the Franklin County Coroner’s office.
According to WCMH, Dr. Anahi M. Ortiz determined the 16-year-old girl was murdered after Columbus Police Officer Nicholas Reardon shot Bryant four times after authorities were called to her home on April 20.
The finding, however, does not imply a crime was committed, according to the news outlet. Homicide occurs when a person dies at the hands of another person.
On Monday, the Franklin prosecutor’s office released a statement.
“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.”
“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,” it continued. “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.”
In July, WCMH reported that the fate of Columbus police officers would be left to a grand jury. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost revealed that the Bureau of Criminal Investigations had sent the prosecutor Bryant’s case.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Bryant’s death still linger today. Before she was shot to death, Bryant had called the police to help diffuse the violence occurring at the home that would become the last place she would live.
Columbus police, essentially, told the girl that they couldn’t help her.
We hope Bryant receives the justice that she deserves.
