Officials Release Video of Officer Fatally Shooting Sonya Massey
Posted on
July 24,2024
FULL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFun2GydGyU&ab_channel=IllinoisStatePolice
Springfield, Illinois — On July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield. The deputies entered the home of a woman, identified as 36-year-old Sonya Massey, to gather information and ensure the residence was safe. While inside, a pot of heated water on the stove drew the attention of Deputy Sean Grayson. With police approval, Massey went to remove the pot. As another deputy was clearing the house and finding nothing dangerous, Deputy Grayson made a comment about the pot from the living room.
Massey responded verbally and set the pot down on the kitchen counter. Deputy Grayson then drew his 9mm firearm and threatened to shoot Massey in the face. In response, Massey raised her hands and apologized while ducking for cover behind the counter. The deputies move toward Massey, with their guns drawn, to the other side of the counter before Massey rises and grabs ahold of the pot again before Grayson shoots her three times, striking Massey in the face once. Massey was provided medical attention and transported to a nearby hospital.
Massey was later pronounced deceased at an area hospital. On July 17, former Sheriff Deputy Sean Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in connection with the death of Massey. Sean Grayson will be held in jail until his trial after a Sangamon County judge agreed with prosecutors that he’s a risk to the community. If convicted, Grayson faces prison sentences of 45 years to life for murder, six to 30 years for battery and two to five years for misconduct.
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