Prosecutors say Sean Grayson, a sheriff’s deputy, deliberately avoided his training when he shot a single mother over a pot of boiling water
A sheriff’s deputy who killed Sonya Massey in her home last year deliberately avoided his training when he shot the single mother, who had called the police for help, said a prosecutor.
Sean Grayson, who is white, is facing three counts of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Massey, who is Black, on July 6, 2024, during a confrontation over her holding a pot of hot water that she had taken off her stove at her home in Springfield, Illinois.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser told the jury in Peoria, where the trial is taking place due to national attention, that body camera footage showed that Massey didn’t pose a threat when Grayson and another deputy, Dawson Farley, entered her home. Bodycam footage reveals the terrifying moment Massey was shot dead – with the smallest act prompting the horrors.
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Milhiser described Massey, who had mental health problems, as “a little scattered” when she called 911 about a suspected prowler. “But she’s nice and kind and talking to him, and you’ll see that interaction,” he said. “You will see what happens when the defendant gets mad at a woman who is in her kitchen and has called for help. He gets mad and shoots and kills her without lawful justification.”
Milhiser added that Grayson “did not follow his training. He did not follow police principles.” However, Grayson’s attorney, Daniel Fultz, urged the jury not to make a rash decision.
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He explained that when Massey approached Grayson with the pot of water, the deputy repeatedly demanded that she put it down before “making a decision no police officer wants to make.”
“Ms. Massey lifted the pot of water above her head and the evidence will show that the use of force was reasonable under the circumstances without the benefit of 20/20 hindsight,” said Fultz. “What happened to Ms. Massey was a tragedy, but it was not a crime.”
The case has led to a change in Illinois state law, which requires fuller transparency on the background of candidates applying for law enforcement jobs.
Grayson, 31, pleaded not guilty. If he is convicted, he faces 45 years to life in prison. Single counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct were dismissed by the prosecution.
Grayson and Farley arrived at Massey’s home and found no suspicious activity. Then Grayson noticed the pan on the stove and ordered Massey to remove it.
Body cam footage showed Grayson and Massey joking about how the deputy backed away as she moved the pan before Massey said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson later explained that he believed Massey’s statement meant that she intended to kill him, and he yelled at her to put the pot down. The subsequent commotion resulted in Grayson firing three shots, striking Massey just below the eye.
Farley is scheduled to testify on Wednesday. Others who could testify during the trial include experts in police training, use of force, and body camera video.
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