SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — 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. Messages seeking comment from his attorneys were not immediately returned 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.
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.
A shocking incident has recently come to light in Illinois, where a deputy is facing murder charges for shooting a woman who had called 911 for help. The tragic event has sparked outrage and raised questions about police conduct and the use of deadly force.
The incident took place in Winnebago County, where Deputy Jacob Keltner responded to a domestic disturbance call at a hotel. The woman involved in the altercation, 35-year-old Brittany Johnson, had called 911 seeking assistance. However, instead of de-escalating the situation, Deputy Keltner allegedly shot Johnson multiple times, resulting in her death.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that Johnson was unarmed and posed no immediate threat to the deputy. This has led to widespread condemnation of Keltner’s actions and calls for accountability within law enforcement.
This tragic event highlights the need for better training and oversight of police officers, particularly when it comes to handling situations involving mental health crises or domestic disputes. It also raises important questions about the use of deadly force and the need for officers to prioritize de-escalation tactics in potentially volatile situations.
The case has also reignited discussions about police reform and the need for greater transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Many are calling for increased civilian oversight of police departments and stricter guidelines for the use of force.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it is important for authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial review of the facts in order to determine the appropriate course of action. The family of Brittany Johnson deserves justice, and the community at large deserves to know that those sworn to protect and serve are held accountable for their actions.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial that we continue to push for reforms that promote accountability, transparency, and respect for human life within our law enforcement agencies. Only then can we hope to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
