Three counts of aggravated violence, official misconduct, and first-degree murder have been brought against Sean Grayson, an Illinois deputy.
Sonya Massey, 36, was shot and killed in her Springfield home by Grayson after she contacted 911 to report an intruder. Grayson is white, whereas Massey is Black. The indictment came down nearly two weeks after the shooting.
Ben Crump, the infamous civil rights attorney who seems to represent every high-profile civil rights case, is representing the Massey family.
Crump says it is difficult to understand how a woman who calls the police about an intruder ends up being the one shot by the responders.
Grayson was not justified in his use of lethal force, according to the Illinois State Police inquiry and a review of his body camera footage. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office released a statement expressing regret for the “tragic incident” and expressing their intention to mourn with them and the community.
Grayson, who is now in police custody, is scheduled to be arraigned at 2 p.m. on Thursday at his initial court appearance.
The State Police have been tasked with the investigation, as stated by Sheriff Jack Campbell.
At about 12:50 in the morning on July 6, two deputies, one being Grayson, were sent to Massey’s residence. At about 1:21 in the morning, the deputies heard gunfire. A single gunshot wound was the cause of death for Massey, according to Jim Allmon, the Sangamon County coroner.
Following discussions with the family, Milhiser said Monday morning that the public will be able to view the film. Tragically, Massey and her family were indicted on the same day that a crowd of over 200 people met at the Springfield NAACP building to show their support. Last Monday, the Massey family retained Crump.
The murder of Massey, according to Andy Van Meter, chair of the Sangamon County Board, had far-reaching tragic consequences. Having faith in Sheriff Jack Campbell and State’s Attorney John Milhiser, he said, justice will be done.
