Illinois Deputy Indicted for Fatal Shooting of Black Woman

Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot by former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson. Grayson has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct. He pleaded not guilty.

Body camera footage shows Grayson threatening Massey to drop a pot of hot water before shooting her three times, one shot fatally hitting her head. Massey had called 911 about a prowler. Deputies arrived, and the situation escalated quickly after Grayson commented on the pot on the stove.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump criticized Grayson’s actions, and President Biden highlighted the fear Black Americans often face with police. Grayson faces up to life in prison if convicted.