Desmond Preston|Illinois sheriff’s deputy charged with murder in fatal shooting of woman who called 911

2025-05-03 21:48:17source:AstraTradecategory:Scams

SPRINGFIELD,Desmond Preston Ill. (AP) — An Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a woman insider her home.

Sonya Massey was killed after Sangamon County deputies responded to her 911 call early on July 6, State’s Attorney John Milhiser said.

A statement from Milhiser doesn’t describe the circumstances that preceded the shooting at Massey’s home in Springfield, 200 miles (322 kilometers) south of Chicago. But he said a review of body-camera video doesn’t support the use of deadly force.

Deputy Sean Grayson was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, Milhiser said Wednesday.

Grayson was in custody awaiting a court appearance Thursday. It was unclear if he had an attorney. Calls to Milhiser’s office and the public defender office were unanswered early Thursday.

Sheriff Jack Campbell said Grayson has been fired.

“It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. ... With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” Campbell said.

RELATED COVERAGE Newly arrived migrants encounter hazards of food delivery on the streets of NYC: robbersAlabama set to execute man for fatal shooting of a delivery driver during a 1998 robbery attemptNew Mexico governor cites ‘dangerous intersection’ of crime and homelessness, wants lawmakers to act

Ben Crump, an attorney for Massey’s family, said the 36-year-old woman had called police about a suspected intruder in her home. He said she was unarmed and shot in the face.

Crump said the charges were a “step toward justice for Sonya’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.”

As many as 200 people gathered Wednesday at the Springfield NAACP building to express support for Massey, who is Black, and her family.

“I am enraged that another innocent Black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said following the indictment.

More:Scams

Recommend

11 highlights from Trump's Time Person of the Year interview

Washington — President-elect Donald Trump was namedTime magazine's Person of the Year on Thursday, t

Who Is the Green Goblin at the 2023 Emmy Awards? Here's How a Reality Star Stole the Red Carpet Spotlight

Turning up and out at the 2023 Emmy Awards, stars draped themselves in Chanel, Dior and Versace. But

Come and Get a Look at Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's 2023 Emmys Date Night

Selena Gomez is looking magical, lyrical and beautiful on the red carpet. The Only Murders in the Bu