Police body camera footage released on Monday shows the killing by a sheriff's officer of Sonya Massey, a Black woman from Springfield, Illinois, Scripps News reports. Massey, 36, called 911 on July 6 to report a possible prowler. Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy entered her house. Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser alleges that Grayson instructed Massey to move a pot of water that was on the stove. Grayson then allegedly drew his pistol and threatened Massey, who apologized and ducked. Grayson allegedly shot her three times. According to Milhiser, Grayson did not activate his body camera until after he fired his weapon. He then allegedly advised his partner not to offer first aid because Massey was too severely injured.
Grayson pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. Grayson was fired and is detained in the Sangamon County Jail without bond. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey's family, warned that the footage would be difficult to watch. “It is going to shock the conscience of America. It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional,” Crump said. “This sheriff’s deputy was twice as large as Sonya. Why would you have to use a gun to shoot her in the head?” On Monday, President Biden said, "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."
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