SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Police bodycam video was released of the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey after deputies responded to her 911 call earlier this month reported a possible prowler at her home.
The video shows what led up the moment when former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, who is white, shot the Black woman three times inside her home, fatally striking her in the head.
The body video depicts what prosecutors alleged happened in court documents, which showed 30-year-old Grayson standing across from Massey telling her put down a pot of hot water that was on the stove.
When Massey had the pot in her hands, she said “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
“You better (expletive) not or I swear to God I’ll (expletive) shoot you in your (expletive) face,” Grayson can be heard saying in the video.
He then pulled out his 9mm pistol and demanded she drop the pot. The exchange happened moments before Massey apologized and ducked. She briefly rose when Grayson fired his weapon at her.
The video also showed Grayson declining to render aid to Massey as his partner tried to help her. His partner can be heard saying he would grab a medical kit and that Massey was still breathing.
“You can go get it, but that’s a headshot,” Grayson said. “There’s nothing you can do, man.”
During Massey’s funeral on Friday, the family’s lawyer, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said the video, which he and the family had already viewed, would “shock the conscience of America.”
Grayson was indicted by a grand jury last week. He pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance last week to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.
Sangamon County Sheriff fired Grayson last week, saying he his actions leading up the shooting were not in alignment with the department’s policies. Grayson is being held in the Sangamon County Jail without bond.
Grayson he faces 45 years to life for murder, 6 to 30 years for battery, and 2 to 5 years for misconduct if convicted.
More on the shooting investigation and upcoming trial.
