An Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been charged with murder for shooting and killing a Black woman who called 911 to report a possible wanderer.
Sangamon County Deputy Sheriff Shawn Grayson, a white man, shot 36-year-old Sonia Massey in the face after responding to a call on July 6 at her home in Springfield, Illinois, about 200 miles south of Chicago.
Prosecutors alleged that after Grayson, 30, allowed Massey to move a pot that was boiling on the stove and place it on the counter, Grayson “violently yelled” at Massey about the pot and pulled out a 9mm handgun. Massey put his hands up, said “I’m sorry,” and ducked to hide, but was shot in the face.
the statement In a statement released the day of the incident, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office initially said that after Massey was shot, “deputies immediately administered first aid until emergency responders arrived,” but prosecutors allege that Grayson prevented other deputies from retrieving a medical kit to help Massey.
The details emerged from court documents in support of keeping Grayson held without bail. County Circuit Judge Ryan M. Kadazin denied Grayson’s pretrial release during a hearing Thursday in Springfield.
More than 30 members of Massey’s family and supporters were in the courtroom, and Mr Kadagin described Grayson’s behaviour as “a serious departure from the expectations of civil society”.
“The other deputy nonetheless attempted rescue and remained with Mr. Massey until medical assistance arrived,” First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rogers said. Grayson “never attempted to rescue Mr. Massey. At no time did this defendant display anything but a callousness toward human life.”
Grayson has since been fired from the police department and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and official misconduct. He pleaded not guilty at his initial court appearance on Thursday.
Sheriff Jack Campbell said Wednesday he was firing Deputy Grayson because “it’s clear that he did not act in accordance with his training and did not live up to our standards. We hold a badge and we carry great responsibility. When that responsibility is abused, we should be subject to appropriate discipline.”
Grayson had worked for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office for about 18 months before being fired, after spending about seven years as a police officer with various police agencies in central Illinois.
No one disputed the state’s argument that the body camera footage of the incident met the first requirement for ordering Grayson detained – that there be a strong presumption that the acts described in the indictment actually occurred.
Authorities said body camera footage is expected to be released on Monday.
Attorney Dan Fultz argued that the state’s arguments were otherwise insufficient and argued for Grayson’s release. Fultz said Grayson was compliant and turned himself in within 30 minutes of the arrest warrant being issued, so he is not a threat to the community.
Grayson owns a home with his fiancé in Riverton, east of Springfield, and they plan to get married this fall, Fultz said. Grayson was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer last fall and needs specialized treatment, so detaining him would be a burden on the county, Fultz said.
Fultz asked for Grayson’s release on the conditions that he remove weapons from his home, undergo a mental health evaluation and be placed under 24-hour electronic monitoring.
Judge Kadazin ruled that Massey, who weighs about 110 pounds (50 kilograms), posed no threat to Grayson, who is 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall and weighs 228 pounds (103 kilograms). Grayson was armed and escorted by another deputy, but refused aid after shooting her.
Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney who represents Massey’s family, said the indictment was “a step toward justice for Sonia’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since being informed of this tragedy.”
As many as 200 people gathered at the NAACP building in Springfield on Wednesday to show support for Massey and her family.
“I am outraged that another innocent black woman has lost her life at the hands of a police officer,” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said, calling Massey’s killing at the hands of police a “tragedy” and saying it was “heartbreaking.”
“We have seen too many cases where innocent people who are unarmed and actually calling for help become the targets and victims of police shootings,” Judge Pritzker said after the arraignment.
He added: “My heart goes out to not only the families, the victims’ families, but to the families in Sangamon County and all the people of color who have had to endure and witness these things, because this affects everyone, even if it hasn’t happened to you.”
“I think this impacts all people of color and it impacts all of us who care deeply about justice and protecting human rights.”
Grayson is due to appear in court again on August 26th.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
