In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Donna Massey, the mother of Sonya Massey, a Black woman tragically killed by a white police officer, had made a desperate plea to dispatchers the day before her daughter’s death.
Sonya, who was fatally shot in her Springfield, Illinois home, had called 911 seeking help, but her mother was deeply concerned about the potential for police escalation.
On that fateful day, Donna Massey called 911, expressing her fear that the arrival of police could worsen the situation. She urgently requested that dispatchers avoid sending “prejudiced” or “combative” officers, stating, “I don’t want you guys to hurt her.”
Her call was filled with anxiety as she explained that her daughter was experiencing a severe mental health crisis, describing her condition as a “paranoid schizophrenic episode.”
On July 6, Deputy Sean Grayson, along with another officer, responded to a call about a possible prowler at the Massey home.
Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, was shot and killed by Grayson.
The incident has been shrouded in confusion, as records released recently reveal that there was some debate among officers about whether Massey might have inflicted the injury upon herself.
One officer was heard saying, “They are now saying it’s self-inflicted,” while another suggested the injury could have been caused by police.
Despite these discussions, it remains unclear where the miscommunication originated. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department is investigating whether Massey’s mental health history was communicated to the responding deputies.
Body camera footage indicates that the officers may not have been aware of her mental health issues, with Deputy Grayson inquiring if there were any records of calls related to mental health.
Officer Background and Incident Details
Deputy Grayson’s file reveals troubling details about his past, including two drunk driving convictions and a prior discharge from the army. Although a psychological evaluation deemed him fit for duty, it noted his tendency to make hasty decisions.
The footage from the night of the incident shows Massey, visibly distressed and confused, greeting the deputies at her door.
She pleaded, “Don’t hurt me,” and appeared disoriented. After being directed to remove a pot of water from the stove, Massey responded, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
In a shocking escalation, Grayson drew his weapon and ordered Massey to drop the pot before firing three shots, hitting her below the left eye. The autopsy confirmed that Massey died from the gunshot wound, with additional injuries to her right leg.
The bullet fractured her skull, perforated her carotid artery, and caused fatal brain bleeding.
Ongoing Legal and Civil Rights Issues
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey’s family, condemned the shooting as “senseless, unnecessary, and excessive.” Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.
He has been dismissed from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and is currently being held without bond.
The tragic death of Sonya Massey has sparked a profound examination of police procedures and the handling of mental health crises, highlighting the urgent need for reform and accountability.
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