An Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been charged with multiple counts in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Springfield woman who called authorities to report a possible intruder.
Deputy Sean Grayson faces three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, according to a statement from Sangamon County Prosecutor John Milhiser.
Grayson pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday and was denied pretrial release.
The deputy sheriff was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department this week, according to a statement from Sheriff Jack Campbell posted Wednesday on the department’s Facebook page.
“It is clear that the deputy did not act as he was instructed and in accordance with our standards,” Campbell said. “The actions taken by Deputy Grayson do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement as a whole.”
Two sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in Springfield, Illinois, around 12:50 a.m. on July 6 to investigate a possible prowler, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office obtained by ABC News.
“At approximately 1:21 a.m., officers reported shots fired, injuring a female,” the sheriff’s statement said. “Officers immediately administered first aid until paramedics arrived. The female was transported to St. John’s Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. No officers were injured during the incident.”
The Illinois State Police (ISP) investigated the shooting for use of deadly force at the request of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. According to Milhiser, a review of the investigation and body camera footage found that Grayson was not justified in his use of deadly force.
According to charging documents filed in Sangamon County Court, Grayson allegedly shot Massey in the face after the deputy “aggressively yelled” at him to put down a pot of boiling water. Grayson then allegedly discouraged his partner from retrieving a medical kit to help Massey, prosecutors said.
The other deputy still rendered aid to Massey and stayed with him until paramedics arrived, according to charging documents. Grayson did not attempt to render aid, according to the documents.
According to charging documents, Grayson did not activate his body camera until after the shooting. The other deputy activated his camera when he arrived on the scene, the charging documents state.
The Sangamon County District Attorney’s Office has not yet released body camera footage of the incident, but is expected to do so by Monday, July 22.
Massey’s family attorney, Ben Crump, called the news of Grayson’s indictment a step forward in getting justice for Sonya’s loved ones.
“While nothing can undo this officer’s heinous actions, we hope the scales of justice continue to hold him accountable and we will demand transparency every step of the way,” Crump said in a statement. statement.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued a statement saying Massey deserved the protection she called law enforcement for.
“My heart breaks for Sonya’s children, her family and friends, and all who knew and loved her, and I am furious that another innocent black woman has had her life shattered at the hands of a police officer,” Pritzker said in his statement.
Grayson’s attorney did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
ABC News’ Emily Chang and Tesfaye Negussie contributed to this report.
News Source : abcnews.go.com
Gn usa
