Police bodycam footage captured the moment a black woman was shot and killed inside her own home by the responding officers who came after she called 911.
A former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of a Black woman in her Springfield home. The incident, which occurred on July 6, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for police reform.
Sean Grayson, 30, a white former deputy, is accused of shooting Sonya Massey, 36, three times, including a fatal shot to the head. The shooting took place after Massey had called 911 to report a suspected prowler. Body camera footage released by authorities shows the encounter escalating rapidly.
According to the video, Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey’s home shortly before 1 a.m. Upon entry, Massey appeared disoriented and repeatedly asked for help. The situation intensified when Grayson noticed a pot of hot water on the stove and demanded Massey put it down.
Moments before the shooting, Massey is heard saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” to which Grayson responded with a threat to shoot her. The video shows Massey ducking and apologizing before Grayson fired his weapon.
Prosecutors argue that Grayson had both “distance and relative cover” from Massey, as they were separated by a counter dividing the living room and kitchen.
The incident has drawn national attention, including a statement from President Joe Biden, who said, “Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today.” The President called for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Sonya Massey’s family, stated during a news conference, “She needed a helping hand. She did not need a bullet to her face.” Crump noted that Massey had a history of mental health issues.
It is reported that Grayson, who pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct, was fired from his post last week. If convicted, he faces potential life imprisonment.
