The Horrific Murder of Sonya Massey
Trigger Warning
Police body-cam footage has just come out, revealing the final moments of 36-year-old Sonya Massey. The video depicts Massey being gunned down in her own home by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean P. Grayson after she called them for help.
Grayson and another officer responded to a 911 call at Massey’s house on July 6. Massey requested a police presence to investigate a possible intruder. The footage escalated as she walked into the kitchen to grab a pot of boiling water off the stove and move it to the sink.
Officer Grayson then begins to start screaming, “dropping the f***ing pot.” and threatening to shoot her in the face. Massey, who appears fearful from the officer’s sudden change in demeanor, ducks down before Grayson fires three times, including a fatal shot to her head.
Body cam footage released Monday shows the shocking moments when Sonya Massey was fatally shot in the face by a deputy after she called 911 for help. Violence against Black women MUST STOP! We must demand FULL JUSTICE for Sonya Massey! pic.twitter.com/FlAiuCiSg0
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) July 23, 2024
Something chilling about the clip is how Massey seemingly sensed something before the escalation when the officer moves back to the other side of the room. She asks him where he’s going, and Grayson claims he’s moving away from the pot of water. Massey then states, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” which sets the officer off.
The disturbing footage of Massey’s life being ripped away in 36 minutes has sparked national outrage. Protests have popped up nationwide, including one outside of the NAACP building of Massey’s hometown, Springfield.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have spoken out, stating, “Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss.”
Various Illinois lawmakers and leaders have spoken out as well, including Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, who encouraged unity during this time “to seek justice and do all we can to prevent another Black man or woman from being unjustly killed.”
Officer Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct. He currently remains in custody without bail.
Sonya Massey was a mother, a daughter, and a person who deserved to be treated with humanity. As Malcolm X once mentioned, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”
Sonya Massey should be alive today. pic.twitter.com/gMMOhpWOeW
— Derenic Byrd (@DerenicByrd) July 23, 2024
Do not let her die in vain. Like George Floyd, Massey’s memory should be a catalyst to encourage everyone to vote for change in the upcoming 2024 election. People’s lives depend on it. Sonya Massey, say her name.
