An Illinois jury on Wednesday convicted a former sheriff’s deputy of second-degree homicide within the capturing demise of Sonya Massey, a black girl who referred to as 911 asking for assist.
The jurors, although, didn’t convict Sean Grayson on the first-degree homicide cost that prosecutors sought and that carries a jail sentence of 45 years to life. The 31-year-old Grayson as a substitute may very well be sentenced to as much as 20 years in jail, or probation. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 29.
Grayson and one other deputy arrived at Massey’s dwelling in Springfield, Illinois, early on the morning of July 6, 2024, after she reported a prowler. Grayson shot the 36-year-old girl after confronting her about how she was dealing with a pot of scorching water she had faraway from her range. Grayson and his attorneys argued that he feared Massey would scald him with the recent water.
Massey’s killing raised new questions on U.S. legislation enforcement shootings of black individuals of their houses, and prompted a change in Illinois legislation requiring fuller transparency on the background of candidates for legislation enforcement jobs.
Grayson initially was charged with first-degree homicide, however after the seven-day trial, the jury was given the choice of contemplating second-degree homicide, which applies when a defendant faces a “severe provocation” or believes their motion is justified even when that perception is unreasonable.
He may very well be sentenced from 4 to twenty years, a sentence that may very well be halved if he behaves behind bars. He is also sentenced to probation and keep away from jail time fully.
Physique digicam video recorded by the opposite Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy on the scene that morning, Dawson Farley, was a key a part of the prosecution’s case. It confirmed Massey, who struggled with psychological well being points, telling the officers, “Don’t harm me,” and repeating, “Please God.”
When the deputies entered the home, Grayson noticed the pot on the range and ordered Massey to maneuver it. Massey jumped as much as retrieve the pot and she or he and Grayson joked about how he stated he was backing off from the “scorching, steaming water.” Massey then replied, “I rebuke you within the identify of Jesus.”
Each Grayson and Farley drew their pistols and yelled at Massey to place the pot down. Grayson instructed investigators he thought her “rebuke” meant she supposed to kill him and, within the following commotion, fired three pictures, placing Massey just under the attention.
Farley, who on the time of the capturing was a probationary worker topic to firing for any motive, testified that Massey didn’t say or do something that precipitated him to view her as a menace. However beneath cross-examination, he acknowledged that he initially reported to investigators that he feared for his security due to the recent water. Farley didn’t hearth his weapon and was not charged.
Grayson testified in his personal protection and was the primary witness his attorneys referred to as. He instructed jurors he observed the underside of the pot was crimson and he believed Massey deliberate to throw the water at him. He stated Massey’s phrases felt like a menace and that he drew his gun as a result of officers are educated to make use of drive to get compliance.
“She accomplished. You’ll be able to go get it, however that’s a head shot,” Grayson instructed Farley after the capturing. “There’s nothing you are able to do, man.”
Grayson relented moments later and went to get his package whereas Farley discovered dish towels to use stress to the pinnacle wound. When Grayson returned, Farley instructed him his assist wasn’t obligatory, so he threw his package on the ground and stated, “I’m not even gonna waste my med stuff then.”
Prosecutors stated that response indicated Grayson’s disregard for public security, an argument that persuaded Choose Ryan Cadagin to maintain Grayson in jail awaiting trial. An Illinois appellate court docket subsequently dominated that Grayson ought to be launched beneath the Pre-Trial Equity Act. An attraction to the state Supreme Court docket has but to be determined.
Massey’s demise additionally compelled the early retirement of the sheriff who employed Grayson and generated a U.S. Justice Division inquiry. The federal probe was resolved with Sangamon County Sheriff’s Division’s settlement to fortify coaching, significantly de-escalation practices; develop a program through which psychological well being professionals can reply to emergency calls; and to generate knowledge on use-of-force incidents.
Massey’s household, with the help of civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, settled a lawsuit towards the county for $10 million and state lawmakers modified Illinois legislation to require fuller transparency on the background of candidates for legislation enforcement jobs.
