Sonya Massey, a woman from Illinois, was shot and killed by a deputy after calling 911 for help. An autopsy report, released on Friday, shows that Massey, who was 36, died from a gunshot wound to her head. The report confirms that her death was a homicide.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said the bullet entered through Massey’s left eyelid and exited through the back of her neck.
After the report was made public, Massey’s family held a press conference in Springfield. Her cousin, Shadia Massey, expressed deep sadness, saying, “Sonya meant the world to me. This tragedy has affected our entire family. Her daughter can’t sleep at night.”
Raymond Massey, her uncle, remembered her as a loving person who always cared for her children and her faith.
Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, who represents Massey’s family, said the autopsy confirms that the shooting was unjustified and excessive.
Sean Grayson, the deputy who shot Massey, has been fired and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty.
Massey had called 911 on July 6, reporting a possible intruder at her home. Body camera footage shows Grayson yelling at her to put down a pot of boiling water. When Massey answered the door, she asked the deputies not to hurt her. Grayson, who was not using his own body camera, threatened to shoot her. Massey tried to hide behind a counter but was shot three times in the face.
An investigation by Illinois State Police found that Grayson’s use of deadly force was not justified. Grayson had previously been discharged from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct and had two DUI charges in 2015 and 2016.
Grayson’s attorney has not commented on the case.