It’s a sadly familiar story, and one that is still unfolding.
Here is what we know so far about the fatal shooting.
This story contains graphic depictions.
Courtesy of Ben Crump Law
Sonya Massey called the police to her home to report a suspected break-in.
Masseycalled 911in the early morning of July 6 because she thought someone was trying to break into her house.
According toThe Guardian, Massey’s daughter has said her mother had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
Courtesy of Ben Crump Law
When the police arrived, they began searching the front of her home and her backyard with flashlights.
They also asked Massey for her identification.
As she picked up the pot, she noticed the officers move away from her.
Courtesy of Ben Crump Law
she asked them, per body cam footage released on July 23.
Away from your hot steaming water, Grayson answered.
Away from the hot steaming water?
Courtesy of Ben Crump Law
Oh, Ill rebuke you in the name of Jesus, Massey responded.
Grayson fired his weapon three times, killing Massey.
Massey replied, I’m sorry.
Grayson then fired three shots.
Massey was killed by a bullet which struck her in face.
Nah, shes done, he said.
you’re able to go get it, but thats a headshot.
Later Grayson can be heard telling other officers outside the home, Yeah, Im good.
This fucking bitch is crazy.
The incident was caught on camera.
The officer who killed Massey has been fired and charged with first-degree murder.
Grayson had other options available that he should have used.
His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office.
Per CNN, Grayson entered a plea of not guilty and was denied pretrial release.
Masseys family says they were misled about the details of her death.
He also said that they were made to believe that she had even suffered self-inflicted wounds.
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Masseys father is asking for a probe into the circumstances of Graysons hiring.
The biggest question is: How did this man ever get hired in law enforcement?
Wilburn said in an interview with ABC News.
But heres a man who, in four years, hes been in six different departments.
According toABC News, Grayson has held at six different police jobs over the past four years.
Massey’s father also criticized the Sangamon County sheriff for his role in Grayson’s hiring.
The sheriff here is an embarrassment, Wilburn said.
[Grayson] should have never had a badge.
And he should have never had a gun.
He should have never been given the opportunity to kill my child.
The Massey familys attorney, Crump, hopes that the footage will galvanize the community.
I mean, it is disturbing, Crump told CNN.
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the fatal shooting in statement.
In astatementpublished on July 23, Vice President Kamala Harris wrote, Sonya Massey deserved to be safe.
