An Illinois sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, has been charged with first-degree murder after fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old unarmed Black woman, who had called 911 for help. The incident, captured on body-camera footage, shows Grayson shooting Massey in the face during an argument at her home. The footage was released by US prosecutors on Monday, July 22, revealing the moments leading up to the fatal encounter.
On July 6, Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey's 911 call about a prowler. After inspecting the property and finding a car that had been broken into but no prowler, they entered Massey's home and conversed with her for 18 minutes. The situation escalated when Grayson ordered Massey to drop a pot of hot water she was holding and then shot her in the face.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey's family, condemned the shooting as "heinous" and "senseless," emphasizing that Massey needed help, not lethal force. President Joe Biden also reacted to the incident, expressing his condolences and highlighting the ongoing fears for safety that Black Americans face.
Grayson faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He is currently held at Menard County Detention Facility and could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty. The family of Sonya Massey is demanding justice and legislative action to prevent such incidents in the future.
