U.S. Investigates Illinois Sheriff’s Office Over Fatal Shooting Of Sonya Massey

U.S. Investigates Illinois Sheriff’s Office Over Fatal Shooting Of Sonya Massey

Trigger Warning: This article discusses police violence and a fatal shooting.

The U.S. Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office following the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman. Massey called 911 on July 6 to report a possible prowler near her home in Springfield, Illinois.

Body camera footage shows a confrontation between Massey and two deputies, which escalated in her kitchen over a pot of hot water.

Deputy Sean Grayson, who is White, fatally shot Massey during the encounter. Grayson has since been fired and charged with murder and other offenses.

In a letter to Sangamon County officials, the Justice Department expressed “serious concerns” about the Sheriff’s Office’s treatment of Black residents and individuals with behavioral health disabilities. The department is also investigating the county’s emergency dispatch system for potential violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.

Our deepest condolences go out to Sonya Massey’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.