Authorities stated on Thursday that an Illinois sheriff’s deputy accused of murder in the death of a Black woman shot her in the face after a heated argument over a pot of water in her house and then dissuaded his partner from attempting to save her.
The information was contained in a court filing that supported Sean Grayson, the fired Sangamon County Deputy, remaining in detention without posting bond.
At around 200 miles (322 kilometers) south of Chicago, Sonya Massey, 36, was killed at her Springfield, Illinois, home after deputies were called to her 911 report regarding a possible prowler early on July 6.
Massey put her hands up, saying, “I’m sorry,” and ducked under cover before Grayson “aggressively yelled” at her to put down a pot, according to the prosecution. Massey then allegedly was shot in the face. Prosecutors claimed that Grayson allegedly dissuaded the other deputy from obtaining his medical kit.
First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Rodgers noted, “The other deputy still rendered aid and stayed with Ms. Massey until medical help arrived.” He “at no time attempted to render aid to Ms. Massey.”
A examination of body camera footage, according to State’s Attorney John Milhiser, refutes the use of lethal force.
HAPPENING NOW: Protestors have gathered outside the NAACP building Wednesday afternoon to rally for a woman killed in a deputy-involved shooting. The family of Sonya Massey is viewing the body camera footage inside.https://t.co/9yzHWQZYyZ
— WCIA (@WCIA3) July 17, 2024
First-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and governmental misconduct were the crimes Grayson was indicted for. White Grayson was being held before his Thursday court appearance. Dan Fultz, a defense lawyer, declined to comment.
According to Sheriff Jack Campbell, Grayson has lost his job.
“It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. … With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” Campbell stated on Wednesday.
The accusations, according to Massey’s family lawyer Ben Crump, are 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.”
Up to 200 people showed their support for Massey and her family on Wednesday at the Springfield NAACP facility.
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Massey’s family attorney Ben Crump described the indictment as “an important milestone in the pursuit of justice” in a statement.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois responded to the accusations as well.
“I am enraged that another innocent Black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer,” Pritzker stated. “I’m grateful to the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office for bringing the appropriate charges in this case. May Sonya Massey’s memory be a blessing, and may it fuel our work to build a system of justice in this country that truly protects all of its citizens.”
