Video shows sheriff's deputy shoot, kill Sonya Massey after she called 911

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois State Police (ISP) has released body-worn camera footage that shows a sheriff’s deputy shoot and kill Sonya Massey, a Black woman from the Springfield area, after she called 911 to report a prowler outside of her home.

It happened on July 6 shortly before 1 a.m., authorities said. Video shows two Sangamon County sheriff’s deputies responding to the call and searching Massey’s property. They then knock on the door, and Massey lets them inside.

The released footage shows Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson asking the 36-year-old Massey for her identification. Massey then got up to move a pot of water off of her kitchen stove. At that point, Grayson starts yelling at Massey to drop the pot and threatens to shoot her in the face, and Massey ducks behind the counter before briefly rising. Grayson then fires off three shots.

The body camera footage can be seen here .

WARNING: The linked video above shows a deputy shoot and kill Sonya Massey. It contains graphic violence and language. The shooting takes place 14:15 into the video, and it is shown from another angle 20:19 into the video.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office fired Grayson, and prosecutors last week filed murder charges and other charges against him.

“My prayers are with the family of Sonya Massey, and I commend the Illinois State Police for conducting an expedited investigation into her tragic death,” said State’s Attorney Milhiser. “The State’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to pursuing justice through the prosecution of this case.”

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called the video “horrific” and urged calm as the matter worked its way through the criminal justice system.

Massey's family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who was expected to appear at a rally Monday afternoon in Springfield.

After Monday’s release, President Joe Biden weighed in on the shooting and Massey’s death “reminds us that, all too often, Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.”

“Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter and young Black woman, should be alive today,” he wrote. “Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss.”

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