Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Murder After Fatally Shooting Black Woman
Sangamon county deputy Sean Grayson has been charged with murder after fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 to report a possible prowler. Grayson shot Massey in the face after responding to her call on July 6 in Springfield, Illinois.
Prosecutors allege that Grayson aggressively yelled at Massey over a pot on the stove before pulling his pistol and shooting her, despite Massey surrendering by putting her hands up and apologizing. Grayson’s actions were described as a departure from the expectations of civil society.
Massey’s family and supporters filled the courtroom as Grayson was denied pretrial release, with the judge citing a strong presumption that the actions alleged in the indictment occurred. Grayson, who had been with the department for 18 months, was fired following the incident. Body camera footage of the incident will be released publicly.
Leading civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey’s family, called the charges a step toward justice. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker described Massey’s killing as a tragedy and expressed support for her family.
Grayson, an Army veteran suffering from stage three colon cancer, requested release on condition of removing weapons from his home, undergoing a mental health evaluation, and electronic monitoring. The judge ruled that Massey posed no threat to Grayson and that his detention is necessary given the circumstances.
Grayson is due back in court on August 26.
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