Bodycam footage released by the Illinois State Police has revealed the harrowing events leading to the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson.
Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He has also been terminated from his position at the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred in the early hours of July 6 after Massey called 911, fearing that someone might be outside her home. As deputies arrived, Massey began looking for her identification.
During this process, Deputy Grayson noticed a pot on the stove and instructed Massey to turn it off. As Massey complied, taking the pot towards the sink, a tense exchange unfolded.
Massey, in a moment of apparent distress, said:
“I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
To which Grayson aggressively responded:
“You better f— not. I swear to God I’ll f— shoot you right in your f— face.”
Grayson then drew his firearm and ordered Massey to drop the pot. Massey apologized and released the pot, but subsequently threw water in Grayson’s direction.
Grayson responded by firing his weapon, striking Massey in the head.
Immediately following the shooting, Grayson justified his actions to his partner, stating:
“I’m not taking f— boiling water to the f— head. And look, it f— came right to our feet too.”
Massey’s family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has called for justice and held a demonstration outside the Sangamon County Building. The release of the bodycam footage has intensified calls for accountability and transparency.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell condemned Grayson’s actions, stating:
“Grayson had other options available that he should have used. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office. He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement. Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them.”
US President Joe Biden also expressed his support for Massey’s family, stating:
“Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans – regardless of who we are or where we live – should be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.”
The tragic death of Sonya Massey has added to the ongoing discourse about police shootings of Black Americans, an issue that has been at the forefront of national concern since the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. According to the Washington Post, 138 Black people have been shot by US police in 2024, with six of those individuals being unarmed.
Deputy Sean Grayson is currently being held without bail as he awaits trial.
