A former Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been charged in the murder of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother from Springfield who was fatally shot after calling the police for assistance.
According to CNN, the tragic incident occurred around 1 a.m. on July 6, when two deputies responded to a report about a possible intruder in Massey’s home. Prosecutors said one of the officers, 30-year-old Deputy Sean Grayson, who is white, found Massey holding a pot of water and “aggressively yelled” at her to put it down. The woman reportedly complied with demands and shouted, “I’m sorry” before ducking down for cover. It was at that moment that Grayson allegedly opened fire and fatally shot the woman in the face.
“The other deputy still rendered aid and stayed with Ms. Massey until medical help arrived,” First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Rodgers wrote, per CBS News. “[Grayson] at no time attempted to render aid to Ms. Massey.”
The Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser said a review of the incident “does not support a finding that (Grayson) was justified in his use of deadly force.”
Per Ruby Funeral Services, Massey's full name was Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey and she was "a very devoted mother."
The deputy has since been fired from the sheriff’s department and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He pled not guilty on Thursday.
“It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards,” Sheriff Jack Campbell said Wednesday. “With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences.”
Body camera footage of the shooting is expected to be released next week; however, officials said some of the images will be redacted out of respect for Massey and her relatives.
Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey’s family in the case, said the charges against Grayson marked “an important milestone in the pursuit of justice for Sonya Massey’s family”
“While nothing can undo the heinous actions of this officer, we hope the scales of justice will continue to hold him accountable and we will demand transparency at every step,” Crump said in a statement. “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.”
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