Illinois State Police Release Footage of Deputy Fatally Shooting Woman
The woman, Sonya Massey, 36, called 911 on July 6 because she believed there was an intruder in her home. She was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy who has been fired and is charged with murder.
The Illinois State Police have released body camera footage of a disturbing incident in which a sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, fatally shot a woman, Sonya Massey, in her home. The incident has drawn the attention of President Biden, who expressed heartbreak for Ms. Massey's family and highlighted the disproportionate fear for safety experienced by Black Americans when interacting with law enforcement. Mr. Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct, and the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office has terminated his employment. Ben Crump, a lawyer for Ms. Massey's family, questioned Mr. Grayson's actions and emphasized the discriminatory nature of the criminal justice system. The footage and its aftermath have prompted calls for justice and raised concerns about the use of deadly force by law enforcement.