Crump speaks out on body cam footage showing Sonya Massey shooting

Updated: Jul 23, 2024 / 02:01 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Famous civil rights attorney Ben Crump is speaking in Springfield Monday after the release of body camera footage showing the death of Sonya Massey.

Massey called 911 on the night of July 6 for reports of a “prowler.” Prosecutors said in court that while Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy were responding to the call at Massey’s residence, Grayson asked Massey to move a pot of hot water on her stove to prevent an accidental fire. When she did, Grayson drew his weapon on her, threatening to shoot her unless she put the pot down.

Grayson has been since charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

“I want justice for my baby,” James Wilburn, Sonya’s father, said at the news conference.

Crump has represented families of several victims killed in police brutality incidents, including George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.

“Let us pray to comfort the grieving,” Crump said Monday.

State Police have released the body camera footage from both of the officers that responded to Sonya Massey’s residence. The full video can be found here on YouTube.

The body camera video is graphic and viewer discretion is advised. Massey’s body has been censored after being shot at the request of her family.

Massey’s father, James Wilburn, has called for the Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign after hiring Grayson.

“The Sheriff here is an embarrassment, because this man should have never had a badge.” Wilburn said Monday at the news conference. “He should have never had a gun. He should have never had an opportunity to kill my child.”

In a statement, the Sangamon County Sheriff described his deputy’s action as “inexcusable” and vowed Grayson will not work again in law enforcement.

“This incident does not reflect the values or actions of our law enforcement community. It was a tragic decision made by an individual who had the training, tools, and experience to know better,” Campbell said. “We are committed to upholding a standard that prevents such tragedies from occurring in the future.”