The Illinois State Police released bodycam video on Monday of a police officer shooting a black woman inside her home, sparking nationwide outrage in the United States.
To report a possible prowler outside her house, Sonya Massey called the police. The footage shows two officers entering Massey’s home to inform her that they found nothing suspicious. But when Massey went to her stove to tend to a pot of boiling water, things quickly got out of hand.
Below is information that you should be aware of regarding the case and Massey’s death circumstances.
What happened to Sonya Massey?
Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old black woman, was shot by a sheriff’s deputy in Springfield, Illinois.
Sonya Massey dialed 911 on July 6 to request assistance with a possible intruder. But, the 36-year-old mother was shot by Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson and died minutes after the police arrived at her Springfield, Illinois, home.
A 36-minute body-cam video that was made public on Monday shows the details of the police killing that took place, which attracted the attention of President Joe Biden and sparked protests in Massey’s honor.
Which law enforcement officer shot Sonya Massey?
Grayson, a 30-year-old white police officer, was employed as a part-time officer in three small police departments, full-time in a fourth department, and full-time at two sheriff’s offices in central Illinois, according to a report.
Grayson has changed jobs six times since 2020, but it is unclear why he changed jobs so frequently.
Despite pleading not guilty to first-degree murder after the shooting, he was released from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office stated, “The deputy did not act as trained by our standards.” He could spend 45 years in prison if found guilty of the murder charges.
The President’s Reaction:
Calling Massey “a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young black woman,” who “should be alive today,” President Joe Biden released a statement.
Sonya was worried about a possible intruder, so she called the police. All Americans should be able to ask for assistance without worrying about losing our lives, no matter who we are or where we live.
Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “Sonya Massey deserved to be safe.” She had called the police for help, and “a responding officer sworn to protect and serve” tragically killed her in her home.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell stated on Monday, “Grayson ought to have taken advantage of other available options. His behavior was unacceptable and did not align with our office’s training or values.”
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