Sean Grayson, a former deputy, faces charges for the murder of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman killed in her home in Springfield, Illinois. Grayson, who had been employed by various police agencies since 2020, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and misconduct. He was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office following the incident.
Massey called 911 about a suspected prowler, leading to deputies, including Grayson, arriving at her house. Body camera footage revealed Grayson threatening Massey before fatally shooting her as she attempted to comply with his orders. Grayson's employment history shows short tenures at several police departments, with his certification now suspended.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey's family, announced that the Justice Department has initiated an investigation into the incident. Massey's father, James Wilburn, demanded the resignation of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, criticizing Grayson's hiring and the circumstances leading to his daughter's death.
Grayson's attorney declined to comment, and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is reviewing his employment record. Massey's parents met with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who promised a fair investigation. The family urged Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, aiming to address police misconduct and ensure voting rights.
Massey's son, Malachi, expressed his grief and inability to fully watch the body camera footage of his mother's shooting. Grayson remains in custody without bond, facing 45 years to life for murder, six to 30 years for battery and two to five years for misconduct if convicted.
Link: ABCNews
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