On Monday, authorities released body camera footage capturing the final moments of Sonya Massey’s life before she was fatally shot by law enforcement at her Springfield, Illinois residence. Massey, aged 36, was killed on July 6 after reaching out to the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office due to concerns about a possible prowler outside her home.

The footage, released following a legal request, depicts former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy responding to Massey’s emergency call. The deputies arrived at her residence shortly before 1 a.m. and knocked on her door multiple times before she opened it. In the footage and accompanying statements, Massey is heard expressing fear and pleading, “Please don’t hurt me,” to which Grayson responds, “Why would I hurt you? You called us.”

During the encounter, the deputies informed Massey that they had checked the vicinity of her house and found no evidence of a prowler. They asked if she required any additional assistance, and Grayson inquired about her mental state, to which she affirmed she was fine. As she closed the door, Massey expressed her gratitude, saying, “I love ya’ll, thank ya’ll.” The deputies also questioned her about a black SUV in her driveway with a smashed window. Massey explained that the vehicle did not belong to her and had been left there by someone else.

As the deputies entered Massey’s home, they requested her name to complete their visit. The situation escalated when Massey moved to her stove, picked up a pot from a burner, and then moved it. Grayson, recorded on camera saying, “Away from your hot, steaming water,” was met with Massey’s response, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Massey did not approach the deputies with the pot and remained in the kitchen.

The confrontation quickly deteriorated when Grayson, visibly agitated, threatened Massey, saying, “You better f------ not I swear to God I'll f------- shoot you in your f------- face.” Within moments, Grayson drew his firearm and ordered Massey to drop the pot. Despite her immediate apology and attempt to comply, three gunshots were fired. The footage shows that Massey had let go of the pot and ducked at the time of the shooting.

Emergency personnel were summoned to the scene, but Grayson’s comments reflected a troubling lack of empathy. He was heard remarking that Massey’s injury was a “headshot” and dismissing the possibility of medical intervention. Grayson and the second deputy on the scene, who attempted to assist by applying a towel to Massey’s head, seemed resigned to the outcome. Massey was subsequently transported to a hospital where she was declared dead.

A use-of-force review conducted by state police concluded that while Grayson’s decision to point his weapon at Massey might have been deemed justified under the circumstances, the shooting itself was not. The review criticized Grayson for failing to de-escalate the situation and for positioning himself in a manner that contributed to the fatal outcome.

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser stated that the review did not support the justification for Grayson’s use of deadly force. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell condemned Grayson’s actions as not reflective of the training or standards of the sheriff’s office, labeling his conduct as “unjustifiable and reckless.” Campbell emphasized that Grayson would face legal repercussions and would never again serve in law enforcement.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Sheriff Campbell extended condolences to Massey’s family and underscored the necessity of accountability. President Joe Biden also commented on the incident, expressing sorrow for Massey’s death and commending the prosecutors for their swift actions. Biden highlighted the expectation that Americans should be able to call for help without fearing for their lives, noting the disproportionate risks faced by Black Americans in such situations.

Ben Crump, the attorney representing Massey’s family, addressed the potential racial dimensions of the shooting, questioning whether the outcome might have differed if Massey had been white. Crump praised the decision to hold Grayson without bond as a critical step toward justice and reiterated the demand for equal justice for Massey. Grayson’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 26, and the community remains attentive to further developments in the pursuit of justice for Sonya Massey.