An Illinois deputy has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of a woman in her home, sparking protests calling for justice for the Black victim.
Sonya Massey was killed after Sangamon County deputies responded to her 911 call early on July 6, according to State’s Attorney John Milhiser.
Milhiser’s statement did not detail the events leading up to the shooting at Massey’s home in Springfield, 200 miles (322 kilometers) south of Chicago. However, he stated that a review of body-camera footage did not justify the use of deadly force.
Deputy Sean Grayson was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct, Milhiser announced Wednesday.
Grayson, who is white, is in custody awaiting a court appearance on Thursday. Defense attorney Dan Fultz declined to comment.
Sheriff Jack Campbell confirmed that Grayson had been fired.
“It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. … With our badge, we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” Campbell said.
Ben Crump, an attorney representing Massey’s family, said the 36-year-old woman had called police about a suspected intruder in her home. He stated she was unarmed and was shot in the face.
Crump described the charges as a “step toward justice for Sonya’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.”
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Around 200 people gathered Wednesday at the Springfield NAACP building to show support for Massey and her family.
“I am enraged that another innocent Black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said following the indictment.
