Nearly two weeks after a former deputy was charged with murder in the death of Sonya Massey, an Illinois sheriff admitted to his office's failure. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell acknowledged the shortcomings at a community meeting, stating, “We did not do our jobs. We failed Sonya.” Massey, 36, called 911 on July 6 to report a possible prowler. Deputies arrived, and following a dispute involving a pot of hot water, then-deputy Sean Grayson fatally shot her.
Grayson, 30, was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He pleaded not guilty and was denied pretrial release. An Illinois State Police investigation found no justification for Grayson’s use of deadly force. The sheriff’s office had previously commented that Grayson’s actions did not reflect their training or standards.
At the meeting, facilitated by the US Justice Department, Campbell sought forgiveness and pledged to improve. The Justice Department is assessing the circumstances of Massey's death, aiming to foster mutual understanding and problem-solving. The community was encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings during the session.
Video footage from the incident shows Grayson and another deputy speaking with Massey before the shooting. After Massey picked up a pot of boiling water, Grayson threatened her and ultimately shot her. The autopsy revealed Massey was killed by a gunshot wound to the head, with the bullet entering below her eye and exiting under her ear, indicating a downward trajectory. Grayson did not activate his body camera until after the shooting.
In the aftermath, Grayson downplayed Massey’s need for medical help, stating, “Nah, she’s done,” and referred to Massey with derogatory language. The incident has sparked calls for racial justice, linking Massey’s death to other cases of violence against Black individuals.
Link: CNN
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