Deputy Who Shot Sonya Massey Claimed He Feared For His Life In Field Report

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Activists In New York Protest Police Killing Of Sonya Massey
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 28: Demonstrators with signs protest the killing of Sonya Massey by a Springfield, Illinois sheriff’s deputy, in Washington Square Park on July 28, 2024 in New York City. Massey was shot at home in the head by Sean Grayson, a Sangamon County, Illinois deputy after she called the police to report a possible prowler. Grayson has been arrested, sparking protests around the country demanding justice for Massey's death. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Sean Grayson's initial sheriff's office report has been released.

Former deputy Sean Grayson claimed that he feared for his life when Sonya Massey remarked, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," during the 911 call that ended with him shooting the 36-year-old Black woman in her home. In his field report, which became public on Monday, Grayson wrote that he "interpreted to mean she was going to kill me."

"As I approached the cabinet, Sonya stood up from a crouched position, grabbing the pot, raising it above her head and throwing the boiling substance to me," Grayson wrote on July 9. "I was in imminent fear of getting boiling liquid to my face or chest, which would have caused great bodily harm or death. I fired my duty weapon in Sonya’s direction."

Read More: Police Killed Sonya Massey's 4-Year-Old Cousin Terrell Miller In March: What We Know

Sonya Massey's Family Holds Press Conference

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 30: Donna. Massey, the mother of shooting victim Sonya Massey, wipes away tears during a press conference with attorney Ben. Crump at New Mount Pilgrim Church on July 30, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. Sonya Massey was shot in the head and killed in her home by Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson after she called police to report a possible prowler. Grayson, 30, who has since been fired by the department, was indicted by an Illinois grand jury. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The killing of Massey began gaining national attention after police released body-camera footage from the incident. The video shows Grayson shooting and killing her after she apologizes for the remark. The sheriff's office fired him afterward and he now faces first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct charges. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in police custody.

Massey's family and other community leaders have called for the resignation of Sheriff Jack Campbell, but he's declined to do so. "I will not abandon the sheriff's office at this most critical moment. That would solve nothing," he said at a Department of Justice Community Relations Service listening session last month. Be on the lookout for further updates on Sonya Massey on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Sonya Massey Killing: Sheriff Asks For Forgiveness, But Shoots Down Calls To Resign

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About The Author
Cole Blake
Cole Blake is a current staff writer at HotNewHipHop based out of New York City. He began writing for the site as an intern back in 2018 while finishing his B.A. in Journalism at St. John’s University. In the time since, he’s covered a number of breaking stories for HNHH. These include the ongoing YSL RICO trial, the allegations surrounding Diddy, and much more. His work also extends outside of hip-hop, having written extensively about a myriad of topics including politics, sports, and pop culture. He’s attended several music festivals to provide coverage for the site as well, such as Rolling Loud and Governors Ball.
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