Warning: The following details may be disturbing for some individuals
(NewsNation) — Graphic video of a 36-year-old woman, Sonya Massey being shot dead by an Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been released.
Sean Grayson, a sheriff’s deputy for Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office in Springfield, Illinois, shot Massey in the early hours of July 6, approximately 30 minutes after Grayson and his currently unnamed partner arrived at Massey’s Springfield home.
Massey had called 911 due to the presence of a “prowler” in proximity to her home on Hoover Avenue.
Despite Massey behaving erratically, conversation between she and the officers was civil until Grayson’s partner moved further away as Massey took a pot of water off the stove.
After Grayson had explained why his partner had moved back, she replied, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus” while holding the pot. When asked what she had said, Massey repeated it before Grayson said, “You better f—ing not, I swear to god, I will shoot you in your f—ing face.”
Grayson then pulled a gun from his holster and pointed it at Massey. He then demanded she drop the pot. The instructions were repeated by his partner.
While unclear due to an obstructed view, the pot of water hit the ground very close to when shots rang out.
Grayson and his partner jumped back as he fired due to the hot water spilling toward Grayson’s feet.
The sheriff’s deputy then confirmed he shot Massey in the head. When his partner said he’d get the medical kit, Grayson replied, “It’s a headshot dude, she’s done. You can go and get it, but that’s a headshot.”
1:21:25 “I’m not taking f—– boiling water to the f—– head,” Grayson added.
1:22:00 “What else do we do? I’m not taking hot, boiling water to the face, and it already reached us.”
1:22:23 As Massey lay on the floor, Grayson commented from several feet away, “She’s still breathing but she’s losing a lot of blood from the head.”
1:22:30 Almost two minutes after Massey was shot, Grayson went and retrieved a medical kit, saying on his way outside; “There’s nothing much we can do.”
The other officer attended to Massey during this time, at which point Massey, according to him, was still alive.
Grayson has already been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. It is alleged by prosecutors that he discouraged his partner from giving medical aid given the severity of the head wound.
Grayson was also charged by a grand jury with aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.
Grayson is currently in custody with his first court date set for Thursday, according to NewsNation affiliate WCIA.
President Joe Biden issued a statement on Massey’s death Monday afternoon.
Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans — regardless of who we are or where we live — should be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.
Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.
I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.
President joe biden
