SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home last month said he believed he was in fear of his life before he killed her, according to his field report released on Monday.
Massey, a Black woman, called 911 on July 6 reporting a possible prowler at her home before two Sangamon County sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene. While inside the home, Massey was holding a pot in her hands she had retrieved from her stove when she unexpectedly told 30-year-old Sean Grayson “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
“I interpreted this to mean she was going to kill me,” Grayson wrote in the report.
Grayson was terminated from Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office days after he shot and killed Massey.
Grayson, who is white, had a documented history of disciplinary action against him in law enforcement and the military, faces first-degree murder, aggravated battery and official misconduct charges in the death of Massey.
The fatal shooting of the 36-year-old mother has sparked nationwide protests and condemnation from officials. Massey’s family has also called for the resignation of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, saying Grayson’s past should have prevented him from being employed as a law enforcement officer with the department.
More on the fatal shooting investigation and the report released by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
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