The 36-year-old mother of two was shot dead in her own home by a sheriff’s deputy after she called 911 for help.
The family of Sonya Massey is demanding justice after they say authorities tried to cover up her fatal shooting by a sheriff’s deputy in Springfield, Illinois, by initially claiming it was “self-inflicted.” Police body-camera footage showed this was a lie. The 36-year-old mother of two was shot dead in her own home on July 6 after she called 911 for help. “This is the worst police shooting video that I’ve seen. It is so senseless,” says Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney representing the family. “[Massey] needed a helping hand. She did not need a bullet to the face.”
AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org. I’m Amy Goodman, with Juan González.
A warning to our listeners and viewers: We’re about to discuss graphic details of police violence.
The family of Sonya Massey is demanding justice after the unarmed 36-year-old Black woman was shot dead in her own home in Illinois when she called 911 for help. Police initially claimed she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but police bodycam footage has just been released and has proved that all to be a lie.
Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who’s white, has been fired and charged with first-degree murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey. Grayson did not activate his bodycam until after he killed her, but the other officer’s body camera was activated when they arrived at her house. It shows the two men speaking with Sonya before one notes her stove is on and says, “We don’t need a fire while we’re here.” When Massey goes to turn off the stove, where a pot of water is boiling, a deputy tells her to “step away from your hot steaming water.” Massey can be heard saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” and Grayson takes his gun out and responds, quote, “You better f—ing not, or I swear to God I’ll f—ing shoot you in the f—ing face.” As Sonya Massey appears to duck and twice says, “I’m sorry,” the video shows Grayson moving toward her and fire three times, ultimately shooting her in the face. This is a clip of the exchange leading up to the shooting.
SEAN GRAYSON: What is your last name? [inaudible] What’s your last name? You’re not in trouble. I just need to ask —
SONYA MASSEY: Massey.
SEAN GRAYSON: Huh?
SONYA MASSEY: Massey.
SEAN GRAYSON: What — do you have an ID? That would make things so much easier.
SONYA MASSEY: Jesus.
SEAN GRAYSON: I just need to get — just a driver’s license will do, and then I’ll get out of your hair.
SONYA MASSEY: I’m going to show y’all my paperwork.
DEPUTY: What —
SEAN GRAYSON: I will read your paperwork.
DEPUTY: What paperwork?
SONYA MASSEY: OK. I’ve got some paperwork from —
SEAN GRAYSON: We’ll just get your ID real quick.
