Police Shoot and Kill Black Woman Who Called 911 For Possible Intruder

A disturbing body camera video has emerged revealing the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, by an Illinois deputy. The incident occurred on July 6 in Springfield after Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler.

The 36-minute footage released by the Illinois State Police shows Deputy Sean Grayson and another Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy interacting with Massey. The video captures Massey sitting on her couch, searching through her purse for her ID when the deputies arrived.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney released body camera footage Monday showing the events leading up to the shooting of Springfield woman Sonya Massey (Picture: Illinois State Police)

As Massey stands to turn off a pot of boiling water on her stove, Deputy Grayson’s colleague is heard expressing concern about the hot water. Massey, speaking through religious statements, says, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” before the situation escalates.

New bodycam footage shows black woman being shot in face by white cop and killed in her home after calling 911 to report a prowler (Picture: Illinois State Police)

Grayson responds with a threat, “You better f***ing not or I swear to God I’ll f***ing shoot you in the f***ing face.” Moments later, as Massey apologizes and moves behind a counter, both deputies demand she drop the pot. The video then captures several gunshots, with one striking Massey in the face.

Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson speaks with his partner after shooting Sonya Massey, during a call for help at her home July 6 captured on a still photograph from body camera video (Picture: Reuters)

Grayson, who failed to activate his body camera until after the shooting, and his colleague faced immediate scrutiny. The latter attempted to provide aid to Massey until emergency responders arrived, while Grayson did not assist. Massey was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Grayson, 30, has been fired and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, official misconduct, and aggravated battery. He has pleaded not guilty. The other deputy’s body camera footage shows the beginning of the interaction.

Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy who was fired, arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey (Picture: Reuters)

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has linked Massey’s death to other high-profile cases of police violence, including the shooting of Breonna Taylor. He called for justice and criticized the criminal justice system.

Protest organizer Tiara Standage leads the crowd in a chant in front of the Sangamon County Building on July 12, 2024, in a protest was over the death of Sonya Massey (Picture: The State Journal-Register)

President Joe Biden expressed his condolences, emphasizing the need for justice and urging Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Grayson remains in custody awaiting trial, where he faces a potential life sentence if convicted.