The recent shooting of Sonya Massey has shocked and saddened many, especially her loved ones. Sonya Massey, a beloved member of her community, was shot by Sangamon County Sherrif’s Deputy Sean Grayson in her own home on July 6, 2024.
However, what has added to the distress of her family is the lack of information provided by the police regarding the identity of the shooter. Massey’s son has spoken out about the frustration and anguish he has experienced as a result of the police’s refusal to disclose this crucial information.
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Massey’s son and family have expressed his deep concern over the lack of transparency in the investigation. In a recent interview, he claimed the police refused to tell him who fatally shot his mom.
The family said police told them their loved one was either killed by a home invader or committed suicide. “They tried to make me believe that a neighbor had did it,” said Jimmie Crawford Jr, Massey’s former partner and the father of one of her children, who added that officers lied to nurses at the hospital, telling them that Massey had “killed herself”. “How do you get that confused?” said Crawford Jr.
A doctor eventually confirmed Sonya’s death was not a suicide but rather a homicide, sparking an investigation by law enforcement officials who classified it as a police killing. The family said they learned who’d killed Sonya from media outlets reports about the July 6 shooting, according to the mother’s father James Wilburn. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the victim’s family, said the US Department of Justice had launched an inquiry into the shooting.
DOJ officials told the Guardian it is : “is aware of and assessing the circumstances surrounding the tragic officer-involved death of Ms Sonya Massey and extends condolences to her family and loved ones. The department will continue to track the criminal case opened by the Sangamon county state’s attorney.”
“What we don’t want to happen is a Laquan McDonald situation,” Crump said on Tuesday, referencing the 2015 killing of 17-year-old McDonald in Chicago, who was shot 16 times by police. The teen’s violent death was captured on video that the police department and then-mayor Rahm Emanuel withheld from the public as long as they could.
Two deputies from the Sangamon county sheriff’s office in Springfield arrived at Sonya’s home in Springfield during the early morning hours of July 6. Grayson seems to press Sonya about the reason for her call as soon as the two begin talking. He subsequently follows the mother into the home and doubles down on her specific needs from them—she’d call to report a prowler in the area.
He also requests she show him identification. The situation escalated once Grayson ordered Sonya to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove saying “we don’t need a fire.” Sonya entered the kitchen and removed the pot from the flame as Grayson and his partner backed away.
“I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Sonya said, seemingly putting Grayson on high alert as he begins yelling profanities as he draws his gun, causing Sonya to drop to her knees. She’s able to say “I’m sorry” before the sheriff’s deputy shoots her just below the eye, instantly killing her.
As the investigation into Sonya Massey’s shooting continues, the police must prioritize communication and transparency. The family and the community deserve answers and closure, and withholding vital information will only prolong their suffering. It is time for the authorities to step up, be accountable, and provide the support and information needed to bring justice to Sonya Massey and her loved ones.
Flip to the next page to watch Malachi speak about the death of his mom Sonya Massey…
