The autopsy findings on Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman fatally shot by a now-fired sheriff’s deputy in Illinois, confirmed that she died from a gunshot wound to the head. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey’s family, denounced the killing as senseless, unnecessary, and excessive. The report revealed that Massey had minor blunt force injuries to her right leg in addition to the gunshot wound. The ex-sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, who is white, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges in Massey’s killing. Grayson was fired and is currently in jail without bond.
Crump highlighted the physical mismatch between Massey and Grayson, emphasizing that Grayson, who is much larger, felt threatened by Massey while she was holding a pan of hot water. Authorities confirmed that Massey had called 911 to report a suspected prowler before the fatal incident occurred. Massey’s family mentioned that she struggled with mental illness and had sought help in a 30-day inpatient program prior to her death.
The body camera video released on Monday showed the tense moment when Grayson fired three shots at Massey after yelling at her to set down the pot of hot water. Despite attempts to help Massey, Grayson displayed a lack of concern for her well-being, even throwing his medical kit on the floor. Massey’s family, including her 17-year-old son, Malachi Hill Massey, expressed confusion over the events leading up to her death. The case has drawn attention to issues of excessive use of force and racial disparities in policing.
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