Warren-Clinton News

State Representative Adam Mathews has called for the resignation of Judge Ted Berry after the judge made a series of public comments on social media regarding the death of Charlie Kirk. The statements, which included language celebrating Kirk's death and referencing race and gun control in a political context, have been described by Mathews as a serious breach of judicial ethics.

"A judge must be a pillar of fairness and impartiality in our community," said Rep. Mathews. "To see a sitting judge post comments like 'Rest in Hatred & Division!', ask 'How's he feel about gun violence & gun control in Hell, now?', and then celebrate the race of the killer by stating 'So, a white guy killed him! Color it KARMA!' is shocking and completely unacceptable. This is not the conduct of a neutral arbiter of the law; it is the behavior of a political activist who has abandoned the core principles of his office."

The Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct outlines standards for judges' behavior both professionally and personally. Canon 1 requires judges to uphold independence, integrity, and impartiality while avoiding impropriety or its appearance. Rule 1.2 further mandates that judges act to promote public confidence in these values.

Mathews argues that Judge Berry’s remarks undermine public trust in judicial impartiality. He points out that Canon 2 obligates judges to perform their duties impartially, with Rule 2.3 specifically prohibiting displays of bias based on race—a standard Mathews says was violated by Berry’s comments about "Color it KARMA!" The statements also raise concerns under Rule 2.4, which bars personal or political interests from influencing judicial conduct.

"I hope Judge Berry takes an honorable action after these dishonorable statements," Rep. Mathews stated. "His comments display a clear 'personal bias or prejudice' that would require his disqualification under Rule 2.11, which includes public statements. More importantly, this conduct casts a dark shadow of doubt over his impartiality in all future cases that will come before his court."

Mathews indicated he would file a formal grievance with the Supreme Court of Ohio's Office of Disciplinary Counsel if Judge Berry does not resign voluntarily.

"Should Judge Berry choose not to resign, I am prepared to file a formal grievance with the Supreme Court of Ohio's Office of Disciplinary Counsel or take other actions towards removal to ensure that the integrity of our judiciary is protected,” said Rep. Mathews. “The people of Ohio deserve a judiciary they can trust to be fair, unbiased, and beyond reproach. Judge Berry's actions have fallen far short of that sacred trust."