Former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson, charged with murder after shooting Sonya Massey in her home, claimed he fired his gun in self-defense. He stated in a sheriff’s office report that Massey threatened him with boiling liquid, causing him to fear for his life. Body-camera footage shows Massey and Grayson talking, with Massey saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” which Grayson interpreted as a threat. Grayson demanded Massey put down the pot, threatened to shoot her, and fired his weapon as she ducked. He indicated that he thought he had activated his body-worn camera but hadn’t. Grayson pleaded not guilty and remains in custody, having been fired from the sheriff’s office. Calls for the sheriff’s resignation have been made in response to Massey’s death, with protests calling for police reform.
Accounts from other deputies who responded to the shooting were included in the report. Deputy Jason Eccleston described Grayson as visibly shaken and advised him not to speak about the incident. Sgt. James Hayes reported that Massey had been acting erratically, including throwing a brick through her car window. Massey had a history of mental health concerns, as reported by her mother in a 911 call the day before the shooting. Massey reportedly broke her car window in an attempt to escape a neighbor. The report sheds light on the events leading up to Massey’s death and the response of law enforcement to the situation.
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