Authorities have released bodycam footage showing Sonya Massey, an Illinois woman, being fatally shot by police in her home, sparking widespread calls for justice and protests.
Massey, 36, called 911 from her Springfield home around 1 a.m. on July 6, reporting a possible intruder, according to the Illinois State Police.
Former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, accused of shooting Massey in the face while responding to her call with another deputy, as stated by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser.
In the 36-minute bodycam video released on July 22, Massey is seen in her bathrobe, telling the deputies she "heard somebody outside."
A deputy, identified as Grayson, informs her they checked her backyard. During their conversation, Massey sometimes appears confused. Her family, alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump, revealed at a press conference on July 22 that she had mental health issues.
"I’m trying to get help, y’all," Massey says in the video.
"What do you need help with?" a deputy asks.
"Nothing," Massey replies. "Please God, please God, please God."
Shortly after, the deputies and Massey enter her home.
After discussing her ID, Massey walks into her kitchen and picks up what seems to be a pot of boiling water from the stove.
"Where are you going?" she asks the deputies.
"Away from your hot, steaming water," Grayson responds.
"I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," Massey says.
“You better f--- not, I swear to God, I’ll f---- shoot you right in your f------ face,” Grayson replies, drawing his gun.
"OK, I’m sorry!" Massey responds, ducking behind the counter.
The second deputy also draws his gun, and Grayson repeatedly yells "Drop the f--- pot!" before three shots are heard, as per the bodycam footage.
The coroner later confirmed that the mother of two was fatally shot in the head.
In the video, moments after the shooting, Grayson speaks to the second deputy, who remains unidentified.
"I’m not taking hot boiling water to the f---- face," Grayson says.
Grayson was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department and indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct, Milhiser stated.
"He walked around the counter to get a better shot," Crump said at the press conference. "If you don’t fear for your life, you don’t walk towards the person."
Grayson pleaded not guilty to the charges last week, his attorney told NBC News.
His attorney declined to comment following the release of the bodycam footage.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell released a statement on Facebook after the footage's release.
"Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson," the statement said. "Grayson had other options available that he should have used. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office.
"He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement."
As the video's release made headlines on Tuesday, several prominent figures condemned the shooting.
In a Twitter statement, Vice President Kamala Harris called the video "disturbing," stating, "Sonya Massey deserved to be safe."
"The disturbing footage released yesterday confirms what we know from the lived experiences of so many — we have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name," Harris said.
Pop star Solange Knowles highlighted that when Massey opened the door to the deputies, she told them, "Don't hurt me."
President Joe Biden also issued a statement on July 22, saying Massey's death "reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not."
"Sonya’s family deserves justice," he added.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also condemned the shooting in a statement, saying Massey was "gunned down by an officer of the law."
"My heart breaks for Sonya's children, for her family and friends and for all who knew and loved her, and I am enraged that another innocent Black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer," Pritzker said.