The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction ODRC has fired David Pearson, the instructor charged in a shooting that resulted in the death of an Ohio corrections officer in April, as reported by WBNS-10 TV. Pearson’s termination will take effect on September 3, following a review by ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith, based on findings from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s OSHP investigation.
Lieutenant Rodney Osborne was fatally shot on April 9 during a training exercise at the Correctional Training Academy in Pickaway County. The OSHP investigated the incident as reckless homicide, and an autopsy revealed that Osborne was shot just above his bulletproof vest. Pearson has since been indicted on one count of negligent homicide.
Documents obtained by WBNS-10 TV from the attorney representing Osborne’s widow provide details of the incident. Osborne was participating in a 40-hour Special Tactics and Response Team training with 14 others, led by Pearson and five other instructors.
According to the documents, Pearson noticed Osborne struggling to draw his pistol during one of the exercises. Pearson then initiated a “mirror drill,” standing face to face with Osborne and instructing him to mirror his actions. Both men drew their pistols, and Pearson’s gun discharged, hitting Osborne in the chest.
OSHP stated that ODRC’s policies and procedures do not mention a “mirror drill” and that Pearson’s actions did not meet the necessary conditions to point a firearm at Osborne.
Osborne had served with the ODRC for 13 years, working at the Southern Ohio Corrections Facility in Scioto County, where he was recently named Employee of the Year and commanded the Special Response Team.
Pearson pleaded not guilty to the negligent homicide charge, with his pretrial hearing set for September.