IL - Sonya Massey Shot To Death In Her Own Home by Sangamon County Deputy After Calling to Report a Prowler, Springfield 6 July 2024

[tlcya]

On July 6, at 12:50 a.m. Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield.

During the incident, Massey was shot and later pronounced deceased at an area hospital.
[snip]
In a statement by Ben Crump, he says “It is extremely hard to imagine how a woman who calls the police out of fear of an intruder ends up shot in the head by the police at her own home. We demand that all body camera footage from this incident be released immediately so that Sonya’s family and the public can see what happened in those thirty deadly minutes. No family should have to endure the pain and suffering that Sonya’s loved ones are experiencing right now.”
Attorney Ben Crump Retained by Family of Sonya Massey

As funeral arrangements were announced for Sonya Massey for July 19, the Illinois State Police on Wednesday announced it would not immediately be releasing additional information on the shooting of the Springfield woman.

Massey, 36, was fatally shot by Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputies early Saturday morning at her home in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue following a 911 call reporting an intruder.

Supporters of Massey will be staging a protest in front of the Sangamon County Building (Ninth Street side) at 9 a.m. Friday.
6 unanswered questions in the fatal shooting of a Springfield woman by local deputies

"There's no body cam footage, being released, there's no information being released right now," said Standage. "So it just leads to speculation and I think that the Sangamon County Sheriff's and the police department, they need to come forward with the information about what happened to Sonya Massey."
Community members want answers after woman shot by deputies

Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey
February 12, 1988 - July 6, 2024

Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey 36, departed this life on July 6, 2024 at HSHS St. John's Hospital. She was born February 12, 1988 in San Diego, CA, the daughter of Donna Massey and James Wilburn.

She was a member of Second Timothy Baptist Church. She was a very devoted mother. She loved to do hair and spend time with her family. Sonya retired from J& J Gaming in Springfield, IL.

She was preceded in death by; grandparents; Raymond(Jeanette)Massey and Felix(Hattie) Wilburn.

She leaves to cherish memories; son; Malachi Hill Massey of Springfield, IL, daughter; Jeanette Massey of Springfield,IL, mother; Donna Massey of Springfield, IL, father; James(Renee) Wilburn, sister; Eva Wilburn, Khadijh Wilburn-Allen, and Breeanna(Joe)Toles and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Funeral Services Friday July 19, 2024
Visitation:9:00am-10:00am
Service:10:00am-11:00am
Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories
1520 East Washington Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Pastor Cary Beckwith Officiating
Obituary for Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey at Ruby Funeral Services & Crematories, Inc.

https://www.facebook.com/sangamoncountysheriff/posts/pfbid02PF3vSijFyvgmBBsyaxsjj4taBQyNBBALHB5cA2T239pMMM17jEKYwjreTgSHGs6ml

RIH Ms. Massey This happened blocks away from my elderly mother's home. The area has experienced quite a bit of crime in recent years. Prowler calls are not unusual. The homeowner who called police for help ending up dead by LEO, that is unusual. I look forward to the Illinois State Police investigation results and cannot understand why it is taking them so long to release it. They have body cam footage. I understand why folks in my area are upset and demanding answers. From what little has been released, this NEVER should have happened.

 

[tlcya]

Six unanswered questions about the investigation
In the aftermath of the shooting, The State Journal-Register submitted a number of questions to Sangamon County and State Police that remain unanswered. Additional questions also have surfaced.

Was Massey struck by gunfire inside her home?
How many sheriff's deputies fired shots and approximately how many rounds?
Did the 911 call come from inside the home and did Massey place the call?
Was anyone else present before two sheriff's deputies arrived?
Were any other weapons found on the scene?
Did sheriff's deputies determine that Massey was the resident before or after shots were fired?
6 unanswered questions in the fatal shooting of a Springfield woman by local deputies

 

[tlcya]

MSN

Illinois woman who called sheriff's office over possible intruder killed by deputies, attorney says

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

outrageous. Shame not getting more coverage.

 

[Kakidoll]

Ben Crump, already the mouthpiece. That didn't take long.

 

[tlcya]

they are releasing the body cam footage to Crump and the family prior to releasing it to the public.

When I say things are tense in town, I mean T E N S E.

Meanwhile her cousin gave an interview a few days back:

As recently as two weeks ago, Sonya Massey was acting “extremely paranoid” and had voiced concerns for months “about being killed by the police,” her cousin, Sontae Massey, told Illinois Times.
Protestors demand release of video in Black woman's death

A protest organizer verified that family members of Sonya Massey, a Black woman fatally shot by Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputies in her home July 6, are meeting with Illinois State Police officials Wednesday to view officers' body camera footage and the details of the case.
As protests go on, Massey's family expected to view body cam footage with State Police

I really hope people remain calm. I don't know if Ms. Massey was experiencing a mental health issue, or if an over anxious deputy went off half cocked, but I know that transparency is needed and prayers for her family. From all accounts she was well loved by neighbors, friends and family.

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

no one deserves to die like this. No One.

ETA: IMO, of course.

 

[tlcya]

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said Illinois State Police completed its investigation into Sonya Massey's death, and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney has filed charges against deputy Sean Grayson.

Grayson has been indicted and charged on three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, according to attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey’s family. NPR Illinois obtained a statement from Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, confirming those charges.

Grayson was also terminated, the sheriff's office said.
[snip]
"This news is 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," Crump said. "We remain committed to uncovering the truth of what happened and identifying the failures that allowed this tragic death to occur."

The sheriff’s office said Grayson’s alleged actions “do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement as a whole.”
Charges filed against Illinois deputy in death of Sonya Massey

Body camera footage will be released at 10 a.m. Monday, Mr. Milhiser said. Ms. Massey’s family viewed the footage on Wednesday at the state’s attorney’s office. Mr. Milhiser declined to comment beyond his public statement Wednesday evening.
Sheriff’s Deputy Faces Charges in Death of Illinois Woman

https://www.facebook.com/sangamoncountysheriff/posts/pfbid0Rc1GsCpi9NLZLbB9ukuFgZuaetquNCndD6xAADRCapGQfXighsbz3jm4bnrBZdzAl

Milhiser said the footage will be released to the public Monday, July 22. "Nothing has been redacted, except for the blurring of certain images, which was done out of respect for Ms. Massey and her family," he said.

Massey lived in the 2800 block of S. Hoover Ave. in unincorporated Springfield. She had called 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity near her home.
Sangamon County deputy indicted for murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey

I am pleased, both with the charges and with how the citizens of my city have behaved in the wake of this tragic murder. Aside from some stupidity on social media, where people are spreading untrue rumors to try to fan flames of discord, people are united in seeing justice done and pleased to see these charges levied against Mr. Grayson.

#IstandwithSonya

 

[spyblond]

I'm so glad he has been charged. IMO that body cam footage has to be especially horrendous because RARELY does a police officer get charged wit 1st degree murder in their officer involved shootings.

Definition of first degree murder per Illinois General Assembly https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/il...hapterID=53&SeqStart=11100000&SeqEnd=12300000

Sec. 9-1. First degree murder. (a) A person who kills an individual without lawful justification commits first degree murder if, in performing the acts which cause the death: (1) he or she either intends to kill or do great​

bodily harm to that individual or another, or knows that such acts will cause death to that individual or another; or​

(2) he or she knows that such acts create a strong​

probability of death or great bodily harm to that individual or another; or​

(3) he or she, acting alone or with one or more​

participants, commits or attempts to commit a forcible felony other than second degree murder, and in the course of or in furtherance of such crime or flight therefrom, he or she or another participant causes the death of a person.​

 

[tlcya]

Woman Called 911 Fearing Intruder Was in Home. She Was Killed by Responding Deputy

Prosecutors said Grayson "aggressively yelled" at Massey to put a pot down and then she put her hands in the air, declared "I'm sorry" and ducked for cover before being shot in the face. Grayson also discouraged the other deputy from getting his medical kit, prosecutors said.

"The other deputy still rendered aid and stayed with Ms. Massey until medical help arrived," First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Rodgers wrote. Grayson "at no time attempted to render aid to Ms. Massey."

State's Attorney John Milhiser said a review of body camera video doesn't support the use of deadly force.
Illinois deputy charged with murder shot woman in face and discouraged partner from trying to save her, authorities say

https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/18/us/illinois-deputy-charged-911-caller-killed/index.html

it is national news now. I'm only shocked it took this long.

One thing to note, the CBS article linked above, appears to use a local gossip/news site as it's source as to what happened in the home. that local site is not considered MSM under TOS and in my experience as a local person, it sometimes gets the facts right and others uses creative license and rumor as it's sources. So I do not take what is in the CBS article as fact -YET. But if it is true, man oh man, it's even worse than I thought. and I thought this case was pretty darn bad already.

Waiting for Monday when we can see for ourselves.

 

[tlcya]

uggh, the rumors from the local gossip site were true. This link describes what happened in the home. I anticipate the family will file a civil suit, which Springfield will settle quickly if they are smart. What happened to Sonya Massey is outrageous and should never be allowed to happen again. If it means Springfield pays millions to the family in order for them to make reevaluating and revamping their hiring practices a priority it is money well spent. IMO

Mr. Grayson was denied bond.

https://www.wcia.com/top-stories/fo...ails-revealed-in-deadly-springfield-shooting/

§ 1047.7 Use of deadly force.
(a) Deadly force means that force which a reasonable person would consider likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. Its use may be justified only under conditions of extreme necessity, when all lesser means have failed or cannot reasonably be employed. A protective force officer is authorized to use deadly force only when one or more of the following circumstances exists:
10 CFR § 1047.7 - Use of deadly force.

This deputy did not have any of the reasons 1047.7 outlines as justifiable. I am so angry right now. So so angry on behalf of her family.

 

[tlcya]

NEWEST UPDATE FROM THE COURTROOM:

* Grayson appeared in person.
* Courtroom was packed. Every seat filled. People were standing.
* Entered a not guilty plea.
* He was denied pretrial release. When the judge said that the courtroom started applauding. The judge told them to stop.
* State argued that he is a risk and threat to the community and no combination of conditions would be acceptable.
* State argued that because Grayson chose not to use a taser or other things in his belt, he is risk. Said that the
* defendant did not help Massey and the other deputy did.
* Defense: presented his previous law enforcement experience (he was also honorably discharged from the army).
* Defense also said that last year, Grayson was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and he currently has an ostomy bag and it's set to be removed in the next few months. Defense said last night, there was a medical emergency involving the ostomy bag so the medical concerns were a big argument. Defense also argued that Grayson did not try to flee the jurisdiction before he was arrested.
* Pretrial hearing on August 26 at 9am.
Details from the night of Sonya Massey's death have been released

1st BBM - i am super curious about previous experience in LE. There are many rumors that he had worked in other jurisdictions previously and his reasons for leaving those positions. This is the first time I've seen in MSM that he has worked in other jurisdictions. Waiting for news orgs to catch up so we can discuss.

 

[sunflowermomma]

From the article linked above:

"Grayson is accused of then moving closer to Massey and aggressively yelled for her to put the pot down. He is then accused of firing his gun three times, hitting her in the face and killing her."

three times?????? wow.

 

[sds71]

Sonya Massey's father, James Wilburn of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, tells the audience at his daughter's funeral July 19 he believes she is in heaven but that he was dismayed the sheriff's deputy who allegedly shot and killed her, Sean Grayson, was hired by Sangamon County despite the "red flags" in his past.

Wilburn condemned the state’s law-enforcement system “when you are allowed to resign and they recycle you.”

Court records showed that Grayson was previously charged twice, once in 2015 and once in 2016, with driving under the influence of alcohol in Macoupin County. He pleaded guilty to the 2015 charge and a judge found him guilty of the 2016 charge, records showed.

Former Springfield police chief Kenny Winslow, now executive director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said misdemeanor DUI convictions don’t automatically disqualify someone from being hired as a police officer in Illinois.

According to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Grayson worked at six different law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020.

https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24852482/sean-grayson-charging-document.pdf

'Red flags' surrounded hiring of alleged killer

Sonya Massey's father cited Sean Grayson's DUIs; Ben Crump recounts woman's last words

www.illinoistimes.com

Illinois deputy charged with murder had previous DUI convictions in Macoupin County

Records show he has worked with six law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020.

www.ksdk.com

​

Sean P Grayson - 65149298​

Part-Time Law Enforcement Certification Date: 6/5/2021
Certification Status: Suspended

Employment​

Employer	Status	Hired Date	Separation Date
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office	Full Time	5/1/2023	7/17/2024
Logan County Sheriff's Office	Full Time	5/1/2022	4/28/2023
Auburn Police Dept	Full Time	7/20/2021	5/1/2022
Virden Police Dept	Part Time	5/20/2021	12/31/2021
Kincaid Police Dept	Part Time	2/4/2021	5/18/2021
Pawnee Police Dept	Part Time	8/11/2020	7/26/2021

ILETSB - Officer Lookup

www.ptb.illinois.gov

 

[Rikissa]

I find the tattoo you can see on his arm in his booking photo a bit spooky, after what has happened.

 

[iamshadow21]

Sonya Massey's father, James Wilburn of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, tells the audience at his daughter's funeral July 19 he believes she is in heaven but that he was dismayed the sheriff's deputy who allegedly shot and killed her, Sean Grayson, was hired by Sangamon County despite the "red flags" in his past.

Wilburn condemned the state’s law-enforcement system “when you are allowed to resign and they recycle you.”

Court records showed that Grayson was previously charged twice, once in 2015 and once in 2016, with driving under the influence of alcohol in Macoupin County. He pleaded guilty to the 2015 charge and a judge found him guilty of the 2016 charge, records showed.

Former Springfield police chief Kenny Winslow, now executive director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said misdemeanor DUI convictions don’t automatically disqualify someone from being hired as a police officer in Illinois.

According to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Grayson worked at six different law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020.

https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24852482/sean-grayson-charging-document.pdf

'Red flags' surrounded hiring of alleged killer

Sonya Massey's father cited Sean Grayson's DUIs; Ben Crump recounts woman's last words

www.illinoistimes.com

Illinois deputy charged with murder had previous DUI convictions in Macoupin County

Records show he has worked with six law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020.

www.ksdk.com

​

Sean P Grayson - 65149298​

Part-Time Law Enforcement Certification Date: 6/5/2021
Certification Status: Suspended

Employment​

Employer	Status	Hired Date	Separation Date
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office	Full Time	5/1/2023	7/17/2024
Logan County Sheriff's Office	Full Time	5/1/2022	4/28/2023
Auburn Police Dept	Full Time	7/20/2021	5/1/2022
Virden Police Dept	Part Time	5/20/2021	12/31/2021
Kincaid Police Dept	Part Time	2/4/2021	5/18/2021
Pawnee Police Dept	Part Time	8/11/2020	7/26/2021

ILETSB - Officer Lookup

www.ptb.illinois.gov

Six different agencies in four years?

This is a clear case of 'passing the trash'.

Bad cops, paederast priests and teachers, abusive health care workers... Too much trouble to fire them, so make them someone else's problem.

Disgusting.

MOO

 

[tlcya]

I was waiting for this information to be covered in the MSM. I hope they go into further detail about his reasons for leaving his previous five positions. In other cases where a bad apple just moved from jurisdiction to jurisdiction it was because they were given the opportunity to "resign" after bad behavior leaving them free to move on to the next county.

This must change. It is the same as a priest who has been engaging in abuse being "transferred" to become the next parish's problem. Not okay.

Here is the dispatch audio from that night. Body cam release has been delayed until 2pm today (was to be 10am). I am preparing myself for that video.

at 5:16 in the audio, someone (assuming Grayson but who knows) tells dispatch Sonya's fatal gunshot to the face was self inflicted.

 

[tlcya]

footage from funeral

 

[tlcya]

CAUTION - I HAVEN'T SEEN THIS YET. I READ THAT CERTAIN PORTIONS WILL BE BLURRED ASSUMING IT IS GRAPHIC FOOTAGE OF SONYA'S STATE AFTER THE SHOOTING. THIS IS A TRIGGER WARNING FOR THOSE WHO PREFER NOT TO VIEW THIS FOOTAGE.

body cam video released by Illinois State Police

 

[georgiajean]

I will summarize for those who want to skip the video (Which I recommend skipping. This is horrific, how it went instantly from 2 cops trying to figure out how to help this person, to her dying on the floor. I wish I could unsee this, but I wanted to honor this woman's life and felt it was important to bear witness. So very horrific.).

LE search exterior, try to contact person in house takes a very long time for her to respond, tells them to hang on, more waiting. They talk on porch, she goes inside to get paperwork. The two LE are now in house, trying to get her information. She was clearly struggling with some mental health issues based on her verbal communication, and it seemed like they didn't want to just leave, wanted to figure out what help she needed. She was looking for her ID and some other paperwork she wanted to show them. Had a large open pot of water boiling on kitchen stove (Gas). LE asked her to turn it off to not burn the house down.

She went to kitchen, grabbed two pot holders, picked up pot, carried it to the sink turned on sink faucet, and turned toward them, LE moved to the other side of kitchen counters. She asked where they were going, LE said away from the hot steaming water. She said "Away from the steaming water? I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. I rebuke you in the name of...." Shooter LE immediately raised his gun, pointed it at her head, said "You better F-----not or I will shoot you in your F-------head!" She apologized, refused to drop the pot. He yelled at her to drop the pot. She dropped to floor with hands up, he shot her, continuing to yell at her to drop the pot.

LE claimed she threw the water, and that the water landed just short of his feet (he was standing at the entry way into the kitchen and other LE had moved behind him when things escalated. Could not see in the video, it is possible she threw the pot as she went down, or the pot dropped and spilled water. There was water on the floor.

The LE who shot her did not have his camera on or sound on. The other one did, said, "It's okay, mine was on." The shooter turned on his camera at that point. The one who shot her didn't want to provide medical aide said it was a head shot and she was not going to make it. The other wanted to, and there is video of him trying to stop the bleeding and help her. Finally the shooter went to get medic gear, other LE had arrived, said she probably wasn't going to make it, and the shooter said, "I'm not going to waste my medic gear then." And he made several statements about her being crazy, about her setting it all up (death by cop, it seemed he insinuated).

One of the medics mentioned they had been out earlier (not sure if that day or week or month). Took at least 8 minutes for EMTs to arrive, and several minutes for them to gather all the right equipment. She was still alive.