City of Pine Bluff holds rally in wake of Sonya Massey deadly shooting

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The death of Sonya Massey has impacted many people across the nation, including residents in central Arkansas.

On July 6, Massey was shot and killed in her home in Illinois by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy after calling 911 to report a suspected prowler on her property.

Weeks after the shooting, bodycam footage was released showing moments leading up to the former deputy shooting Massey.

Massey’s father James Wilburn, along with Pine Bluff’s NAACP chapter and city leaders expressed concerns over her death. Some of her family lives in Pine Bluff and organized a rally in hopes of getting Arkansas and Illinois state legislatures to put an end to immunity for law enforcement.

Pine Bluff leaders are urging Massey’s family receive the support they need in hopes that justice will soon be served.

“I demand action to obviously charge and arrest the former deputy, but I will tell you it does not diminish the anguish and grief that Mr. Wilburn, her father, and so many others including this community and the entire country,” Pine Bluff Sheriff Lafayette Woods said.

Woods said their fight for justice with the family will continue after Massey’s services are held.

Former deputy Sean Grayson is facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct in connection with Massey’s death. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to make another court appearance in August.

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