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Killing of Sonya Massey

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On July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old black woman, was shot and killed in her home by Sean Grayson, a white deputy of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office in Woodside Township near Springfield, Illinois, United States.[2][3][4]

Killing of Sonya Massey
A selfie of Massey sitting in a car
Massey in an undated photograph
Date
  • July 6, 2024
Time1:20:47 a.m. (CDT)[1]
LocationWoodside Township, Sangamon County, Illinois, US
Coordinates39°45′45.5″N 89°37′48.8″W / 39.762639°N 89.630222°W / 39.762639; -89.630222
TypeHomicide by shooting, police killing
DeathsSonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey (36)
AccusedSean Patrick Grayson
Charges

Massey called 911 about a possible prowler. Grayson and an unidentified deputy responded and found nothing after searching the vicinity. Moving inside her house, the deputies requested her ID, and Massey began searching for it. The situation escalated quickly when a deputy asked Massey to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove. Massey lifted the pot and said twice, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Grayson threatened to shoot her in the face and drew his service pistol. His partner did the same and Grayson repeatedly yelled, "Drop the fucking pot," and Massey apologized. Grayson then shot her three times, hitting Massey in the head and ultimately killing her. The unidentified officer stated that he was going to get their medical kit, but Grayson told him not to.

Following the shooting, Grayson was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff's office and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, among other charges.[2]

Incident

Early on the morning of July 6, 2024, Massey called 911 as she believed that someone had broken into her home.[3] Two deputies, Grayson and the second unidentified deputy,[5] responded and subsequently searched Massey's backyard and the immediate vicinity of her property. Finding no evidence of any suspicious activity or persons, the officers approached Massey's front door and Grayson knocked multiple times to no avail. After approximately three minutes, Massey opened the door and engaged in conversation with the deputies. The deputies informed Massey that they had not found anything of note in their search while Massey used her cell phone. As the deputies prepared to end the exchange, the unidentified officer walked around the side of Massey's house to report the license plate number of a vehicle in her driveway that Massey informed deputies was not hers. Massey and Grayson continued to engage in conversation. After the unidentified officer walked back to Massey's front door, the three enter Massey's residence.[3]

Inside the home, Grayson repeatedly asked Massey to provide her driver's license and discussed the vehicle parked in her driveway. As the unidentified deputy looked around the residence, Massey can be seen looking through a small stack of papers and her purse. At one point, Massey asked Grayson to hand her a Bible. After around a minute and a half of searching, the deputies mention a pot of water boiling on Massey's stove and requested that she check on it, as they "don't need a fire while we're here."[6] After Massey picked up the pot of water and walked from her stove to her sink, the unidentified deputy and Grayson moved backwards. Massey asked the officers what they were doing, as in why are they backing up. Grayson replied that he was distancing himself from the pot of boiling water. Massey repeated her question, and said, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."[7] After Massey repeated her statement at Grayson's prompting, Grayson drew his gun and replied, "You better fucking not, I swear to God I'll fucking shoot you right in your fucking face."[8]

The unidentified deputy also drew his gun. Massey immediately apologized by saying: "OK, I'm sorry" and dropped to the floor behind the kitchen counter, however, both deputies advanced from the living room towards the kitchen with their weapons trained on Massey. After several seconds of shouting orders for Massey to drop the pot of water, Grayson fired three shots at her, fatally wounding her.[9] CBS News reported that footage of the shooting showed that "Massey may be holding the pot of water above her head right before the shots are fired."[10] The unidentified deputy radioed that shots had been fired and that there was a woman with a headshot wound. He began to leave to grab his medical kit, however, Grayson told him not to, saying that, "she's done".[5] Massey was later pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.[3]

Body camera footage of the shooting was released to the public on July 22.[11]

People involved

Sonya Massey

Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey was born on February 12, 1988, and was 36 years old at the time of her death. She had a son and a daughter.[12][13]

Sean Grayson

Sean Patrick Grayson, the 30-year-old deputy from Riverton, Illinois, responsible for killing Massey, worked for six different Illinois police departments between 2020 and 2024.[14] Following the shooting incident, Grayson's employment was terminated. While enlisted in the Army, Grayson had two misdemeanor DUI convictions in 2015 and 2016.[15][16][17] The first DUI led to his discharge from the military in February 2016 for serious misconduct.[18] After his discharge, Grayson resided in Junction City, Kansas.[19]

Grayson falsely arrested Kyle Adkins in 2021. Grayson claimed there was a warrant and evidence against Adkins, which were later proven to be non-existent.[20]

In 2022, Grayson, then a deputy for the Logan County Sheriff's Office, was involved in a high-speed chase where he ignored orders from his superiors to terminate the pursuit. He reached speeds of 110 mph, turned off his lights and siren, and only stopped after hitting a deer.[21][22][23] This resulted in a meeting between Grayson and his superiors about his misconduct and the possibility of firing Grayson. However, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office absolved him and never reported the misconduct.[20]

According to his lawyer, Grayson has stage 3 colon cancer, which was diagnosed in the fall of 2023.[24][25] His lawyer also said Grayson was not a threat to the community because he was compliant and turned himself in within a half-hour after his arrest warrant was issued.[24]

Aftermath

In the aftermath of the shooting, the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office opened an investigation of the incident, which was turned over to the Illinois State Police. The investigation was completed within 10 days.[26] Within two weeks of the shooting, the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office fired Grayson.[4] The second, unidentified officer was placed on administrative leave.[27]

On July 17, 2024, a grand jury indicted Grayson on five counts, including three counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, and one count of official misconduct.[28] Grayson is being held in jail without bail.[27] State Attorney John Milhiser's review did "not support a finding that … Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force", and prosecutors compared him to "an officer intentionally and unnecessarily putting himself in front of a moving vehicle and then justifying use of force because of fear of being struck".[6]

Massey's family retained Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney who has represented several other victims of high-profile instances of police brutality, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.[3] The Justice Department is also investigating the case.[29]

According to Massey's family, one of her ancestors, William Donnegan, was lynched in the Springfield race riot of 1908 and pronounced dead in the same hospital as Massey.[30] The 1908 riot led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).[31] Massey's relative stated: "The more things change, the more they stay the same."[32] Massey's father criticized the sheriff's office for hiring Grayson despite the "serious blemishes on his record".[33] Additionally, her family said that police had initially blamed Massey's death on both suicide and a neighbor.[34][35]

County Sheriff Jack Campbell announced he would retire on August 31 due to the shooting.[36]

Reactions

US politicians

President Joe Biden stated "Americans ... should be able to [call for help] without fearing for our lives," and that Massey "should be alive today."[7] Vice President Kamala Harris said "I join President Biden in commending the swift action of the State's Attorney's Office and in calling on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill that I coauthored in the Senate".[37] She also stated that Massey "deserved to be safe," and that "she was tragically killed in her own home at the hands of a responding officer sworn to protect and serve."[38]

Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker condemned the killing, stating that he was "enraged that another innocent black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer," and that he was "grateful to the Springfield State's Attorney's office for bringing the appropriate charges in this case".[4] He later called for Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign.[39] Illinois Senator Dick Durbin stated that his "thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Sonya Massey" and "The Illinois State Police conducted a thorough investigation of Sonya's tragic death, and the Sangamon County State's Attorney brought the necessary charges in a timely way."[40]

The City of Springfield announced an increased police presence in response to the killing and subsequent protests by Massey's family and supporters.[4]

Others

Protests were held in the United States, including Hartford,[41] New York City,[42] and Atlanta.[43] The NAACP released a statement that blamed politicians for "empowering" Grayson and advocated for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.[44] Michael Arceneaux stated that Massey's killing was not surprising: "When don't we hear of a white officer shooting a Black person?"[45] The 19th said it was "a striking example of how police encounters for black people — even those who call the police for help — quickly erupt into violence."[46]

See also

References

  1. ^ Eric Levenson, Jilian Sykes, Brad Parks (July 23, 2024). "Illinois police release bodycam video of fatal shooting of Black woman in her home". CNN. Archived from the original on July 27, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b Spearie, Steven (July 17, 2024). "Springfield-area deputy indicted; faces three murder charges in killing of Sonya Massey". The State Journal-Register. Gannett Co., Inc. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e Jiménez, Jesus (July 22, 2024). "Illinois State Police Releases Footage of Deputy Fatally Shooting Woman". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Crawford, Sean; Iqbal, Mawa (July 17, 2024). "Sangamon County deputy indicted for murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey denied bail". WSIU. WSIU Public Broadcasting.
  5. ^ a b Hundsdorfer, Beth (July 23, 2024). "Bodycam video shows Sonya Massey's last minutes, deputy's coarse description". Capitol News Illinois. Illinois Press Foundation. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Levenson, Eric; Sykes, Jillian; Parks, Brad (July 22, 2024). "Illinois Police release body-cam video of fatal shooting of Black woman in her home". CNN. Warner Bros. Discovery. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  7. ^ a b The Associated Press and NBC Staff (July 22, 2024). "Biden issues statement on police shooting of Sonya Massey in Illinois". NBC Chicago. NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  8. ^ Helmore, Edward (July 22, 2024). "Biden calls for justice after footage released of police killing Black woman". The Guardian. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  9. ^ O'Connor, John (July 22, 2024). "Bodycam video reveals chaotic scene of deputy fatally shooting Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help". AP News. The Associated Press. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  10. ^ "Officials release video of officer fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her home after she called 911". CBS News. Associated Press. July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  11. ^ "Illinois police release bodycam video of fatal shooting of Black woman in her home". CNN. July 23, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  12. ^ "Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey". The State Journal-Register. July 15, 2024. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  13. ^ "Obituary for Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey". Ruby Funeral Services & Chapel. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  14. ^ O'Connor, John; Williams, Corey (July 23, 2024). "Records show deputy charged in Sonya Massey's fatal shooting worked for 6 agencies in 4 years". opb. Archived from the original on July 28, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  15. ^ "Illinois deputy charged with murder had previous DUI convictions in Macoupin County". ksdk.com. July 18, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  16. ^ Olsen, Dean. "'Red flags' surrounded hiring of alleged killer". Illinois Times. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  17. ^ "Deputy who killed Massey worked for 6 agencies across Illinois". CNN. July 27, 2024. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  18. ^ "With DUI-related ejection from Army, Illinois cop who killed Sonya Massey should have raised flags, experts say". NBC Chicago. July 30, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  19. ^ "Deputy who killed Massey worked for 6 agencies across Illinois". WMAQ-TV. July 30, 2024. Archived from the original on July 30, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey had credibility issues. But he kept getting hired". STLPR. September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  21. ^ Sanchez, Ramon (August 3, 2024). "Deputy's fatal shooting of Sonya Massey highlights risky practice of hiring America's legion of 'wandering officers'". CNN. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  22. ^ Savini, Dave (July 29, 2024). "Sean Grayson, officer who shot Sonya Massey, also violated order to stop high-speed chase in earlier job". CBS News. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  23. ^ Tucker, Emma; Kirkos, Bill (July 24, 2024). "What we know about the deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey in her home after she called 911 for help". CNN. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  24. ^ a b "Illinois deputy charged with murder shot woman in face after ordering her to move pot of water". AP News. July 18, 2024. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  25. ^ Spearie, Steven. "Illinois deputy charged with murder after fatally shooting Sonya Massey inside her home". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  26. ^ Associated Press (July 22, 2024). "Bodycam video released in case of Sangamon County deputy shooting Black woman who called 911". Chicago Sun-Times. Chicago Public Media. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  27. ^ a b Gourdie, Carson (July 17, 2024). "Former deputy charged with murder after fatal shooting caught on body cam". WICS. Sinclair. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  28. ^ Hundsdorfer, Beth (July 19, 2024). "Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy charged with first-degree murder". Capitol News Illinois. Illinois Press Foundation. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  29. ^ Spearie, Steven. "Massey family meets with Pritzker; DOJ opens investigation into fatal shooting". The State Journal-Register. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  30. ^ Glawe, Justin (July 22, 2024). "Body-cam video shows Illinois officer fatally shooting Black woman in face". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  31. ^ "How did Sonya Massey die?". Al Jazeera. July 24, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  32. ^ Glawe, Justin (July 22, 2024). "Body-cam video shows Illinois officer fatally shooting Black woman in face". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  33. ^ Reporter, Jenna Sundel (July 23, 2024). "Sonya Massey's dad rages after shooting: 'You killed the wrong Black woman'". Newsweek. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  34. ^ "Cop described Sonya Massey shooting as 'self-inflicted' in initial dispatch". The Independent. July 24, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  35. ^ Glawe, Justin (July 23, 2024). "Sonya Massey killing: family accuse police of attempted cover-up". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  36. ^ Spearie, Steven. "Embattled Springfield-area sheriff will retire following Sonya Massey shooting". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  37. ^ House, The White (July 23, 2024). "Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on Sonya Massey". The White House. Archived from the original on July 27, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  38. ^ Mariana Alfaro and Jonathan Edwards (July 23, 2024). "Harris condemns shooting of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  39. ^ O'Connor, John (August 7, 2024). "Illinois governor says sheriff whose deputy fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home should resign". The Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  40. ^ "Durbin Statement On Sonya Massey | U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois". www.durbin.senate.gov. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  41. ^ "Black Lives Matter holds protest in Hartford after Sonya Massey's death by Illinois trooper". WTNH.com. July 25, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  42. ^ "Justice rally held in Washington Square Park for Sonya Massey killed by police in her home". ABC7 New York. July 26, 2024. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  43. ^ "Atlanta Black women, allies to 'Stand with Sonya Massey' at Woodruff Park demonstration". FOX 5 Atlanta. July 24, 2024. Archived from the original on July 27, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  44. ^ "NAACP Mourns the Loss of Sonya Massey, Killed by Illinois Deputy | NAACP". naacp.org. July 24, 2024. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  45. ^ Arceneaux, Michael (July 19, 2024). "Sonya Massey's death is a reminder that even calling the police for help has deadly consequences for us". TheGrio. Archived from the original on July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  46. ^ Norwood, Candice (July 23, 2024). "Police killing of Sonya Massey is striking example of another 'senseless loss' in the black community". The 19th. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
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