After placing a call to the police, an Illinois woman was killed in her home by the deputy who was dispatched to respond. Consequently, the police officer has been arrested and will now face murder charges as regards the case.
The Incident
On Saturday, July 6, 2024, 36-year-old Sonya Massey placed a call to the police department on suspicion of a break in her Springfield home. Consequently, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department assigned Deputy Sean Grayson and other deputies to respond to the call.
The court documents were filed on Thursday, July 18, 2024, by Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney for the victim’s family. According to the court filing, the deputies arrived at the location at around 1 a.m. and checked if the environment was in order. However, things took a turn when a quarrel over a pot of hot water ensued between Massay and Grayson.
Grayson drew his gun and shot Massey three times with one of the remainedbullets hitting her in the face. During the argument, Massey had apologized with her hands up, as Grayson shouted at her to drop the pot. According to the sheriff’s office, the incident occurred around 1:20 a.m., and the two officers times, remain unarmed in the altercation. However, according to Crump, Massey was unarmed during the altercation and could have posed no threat.
ALSO READ: Former Police Officer Suspected of Murder Dies From Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wounds
The Aftermath and Charges
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Illinois’s attorney for the county, John Milhiser, released a press statement addressing the incident. Milhiser had informed the media that the state’s police held an investigation into the matter and found Grayson was not justified in his use of deadly force.
Subsequently, Grayson was indicted on three murder charges, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct by a Sangamon County grand jury. On Thursday, July 18, 2024, during his arraignment, Grayson pleaded not guilty to the charge and applied for pretrial release.
However, Grayson’s application for a pretrial release was denied, and his pretrial release has been set for August 26, 2024. According to Milhiser, the Sangamon County sheriff has fired Grayson from its list of employees. Despite their efforts, Grayson and his attorney have not officially made any comment.
According to Crump, it is very difficult to believe that a woman could call the police out of fear and still end up getting shot by the police supposed to protect her. Crump said the charges marked “an important milestone in the pursuit of justice for Sonya Massey’s family.”
In Crump’s Wednesday, July 17, 2024, press release, he said, “This news is a step toward justice for Sonya’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.” We remain committed to uncovering the truth of what happened and identifying the failures that allowed this tragic death to occur.” According to Crump, Massey’s funeral was held in the morning of Friday, July 19, 2024.
POLL—Should the Government Implement Stricter Penalties To Combat Retail Theft?
How the shooting unfolded
On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler near her home in Springfield, Illinois. When the officers got to the location, they met a very calm Massey; although she appeared unwell, she was not aggressive. The deputies met Massey, who was boiling a pot on the stove, before asking her to turn off the water to prevent any accidental fires.
After seeking permission from Grayson, Massey proceeded to remove the pot, which contained heated water. However, what occurred next was not highlighted in the court document that was filed. However, the document stated that Massey had taken the pot from the fire and placed it on the kitchen counter. During this time, Grayson, who was still in the living room, had unshielded his 9mm, aiming it at Massey.
Upon seeing the drawn weapon, Ms. Massey raised her hands and apologized before hiding behind the counter and separating her from Grayson. While holding his firearm, Grayson approached Massey, aggressively instructing her to drop the pot. Subsequently, Grayson shot Massey in the face.
The Immediate Aftermath of the Shooting
While the other deputy activated his body camera immediately after he got to the scene, Grayson didn’t turn on his own until after shooting Massey. According to the other deputy’s body camera, he had gone to check the apartment where Grayson lived alone with Massey.
When the other deputy attempted to get a medical kit for Massey, Grayson prevented him, citing that the injuries were too severe. However, the other deputy ignored Grayson’s advice and rendered treatment to Massey until medics arrived. According to the court document, Grayson did not attempt to help his victim at any point during the incident.
Subsequently, Massey was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. The court document doesn’t detail how prosecutors obtained incident specifics but requests reference to deputies’ body camera recordings. It also doesn’t clarify the other deputy’s location during the dispute and shooting. According to Milhiser, Massey’s family was granted access to body camera footage of the incident on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Massey’s family had met with prosecutors and state police regarding the incident.
WATCH: Japan Diaper Company to Stop Making Diapers for Babies Amid Aging Population Crisis
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker Reaction
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Illinois Governor Jay Robert “J.B.” Pritzker thanked prosecutors for filing the rights charges. Pritzker stated that “Sonya Massey was concerned for her safety and called law enforcement to her home for protection. Like all Illinoisans, she deserved that protection. Instead, innocent and unarmed, she was gunned down by an officer of the law.”
Pritzker added “My heart breaks for Sonya’s children, for her family and friends, and for all who knew and loved her, and I am enraged that another innocent black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer.”
You Might Also Like:
Megan Thee Stallion Set To Launch Emergency Power Program for Houston Seniors After Hurricane Beryl
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s Relationship: Everything We Know
Former NFL Player Terrell Davis Details Arrest on United Airlines Flight
Janelle Monae Recreates Viral Scene of Michael Jackson Hanging His Son Over a Balcony
