The autopsy results for Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who was fatally shot in her Illinois home by a former sheriff’s deputy, were released recently. The findings confirmed that Massey died from a gunshot wound to the head, with the bullet striking just beneath her left eye. The autopsy also revealed that Massey had minor blunt force injuries to her right leg. The ex-sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, who is white, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in Massey’s killing. Grayson has pleaded not guilty and is currently in jail without bond.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey’s family, spoke out against Massey’s killing, describing it as senseless, unnecessary, and an excessive use of force. Crump highlighted the significant physical mismatch between Massey and Grayson, emphasizing that Massey was much smaller in stature compared to the ex-deputy. He pointed out that Massey stooped down and apologized when facing the gun, yet Grayson still fired the fatal shot. The autopsy findings support the assertion that Massey’s death was the result of excessive force.
Grayson, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 228 pounds, significantly outweighed Massey, who was 5-foot-4 and 112 pounds. Prosecutors have noted that the distance between Grayson and Massey, as well as a counter between them, gave Grayson the advantage of relative cover from the hot water that Massey was carrying. The incident unfolded after Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler, leading two deputies, including Grayson, to respond to her home in Springfield. The body camera footage confirmed the tense encounter between Grayson and Massey, culminating in Grayson firing three shots at Massey.
Massey’s family revealed that she had struggled with mental illness, and her son, Malachi Hill Massey, shared details about her mental health treatment leading up to her death. Sonya Massey had admitted herself to a 30-day inpatient program in St. Louis shortly before the shooting but returned after two days without explanation. On the day before the shooting, law enforcement officers were called to the house, and Massey had indicated that she was going to a local hospital for mental health treatment. It remains unclear who called the police on that day or the nature of the assistance Massey was seeking. The family’s attorney has called attention to the need for mental health resources and support in cases involving individuals with mental illness.
The body camera video of the shooting has sparked outrage and calls for justice for Sonya Massey. The footage captured the harrowing moments leading up to Massey’s death, including Grayson’s threatening behavior and the fatal shots fired at Massey. The community and advocates are demanding accountability for Grayson’s actions and justice for Massey’s untimely death. The case has reignited discussions about the use of force by law enforcement officers, particularly in interactions with individuals who may be experiencing mental health issues. Efforts are underway to push for reforms in policing practices to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
