Former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson claims he shot Sonya Massey out of fear for his life. According to a report by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Grayson believed Massey was about to throw boiling liquid at him. “I was in imminent fear of getting boiling liquid to my face or chest, which would have caused great bodily harm or death,” Grayson wrote.
Body-camera footage shows Massey and Grayson conversing in her kitchen. Massey is heard saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” which Grayson interpreted as a threat. “I interpreted this to mean she was going to kill me,” Grayson stated in his report.
Grayson commanded Massey to put down the pot of boiling liquid. She apologized, but when she raised the pot again, Grayson fired his weapon. He wrote, “I fired my duty weapon in Sonya’s direction.” The report states Massey fell to the ground behind the counter. Grayson admitted to not activating his body-worn camera initially, but reviewed his partner’s footage later.
Community and Legal Reactions to Killing of Sonya Massey
Grayson pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct. He remains in custody. His lawyer, Daniel Fultz, has not commented on the case. Sheriff Jack Campbell has faced calls to resign, but he has refused. Massey’s killing has sparked nationwide protests, calling for police reform.
Massey’s family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, though he hasn’t commented yet. They argue Grayson’s past issues should have disqualified him from law enforcement. They point to Massey’s history of mental health struggles and her request for non-combative officers in a 911 call the day before her death.
Other deputies provided accounts of the incident. Deputy Jason Eccleston described Grayson as “visibly shaken up” and advised him not to discuss the shooting. Eccleston transported Grayson to a hospital and then for an interview with Illinois State Police.
Sgt. James Hayes mentioned that an individual, whose name was redacted, told him Massey had been in a medical facility and had previously thrown a brick through her own car window. Hayes initially thought Massey had shot herself. “Grayson told me that Massey ‘came at him with boiling water and he shot her,’” Hayes wrote.