Illinois sheriff’s deputy charged with murder in fatal shooting of woman who called 911

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a woman in her home, a death that sparked protests demanding justice for the Black victim.

Sonya Massey was killed when Sangamon County law enforcement officials responded to her 911 call on the morning of July 6, State’s Attorney John Milhiser said.

Milhiser’s statement didn’t describe the circumstances that led as much as the shooting at Massey’s home in Springfield, 200 miles (322 km) south of Chicago. But he said a review of body-worn camera footage didn’t support the use of deadly force.

Deputy Sheriff Sean Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, assault with a firearm and abuse of authority, Milhiser said Wednesday.

Grayson, who is white, remained in custody pending a court hearing Thursday. Attorney Dan Fultz declined to comment.

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Sheriff Jack Campbell announced that Grayson has been released.

“It’s clear the deputy did not conduct himself in accordance with our standards or in accordance with our training. … We take on a tremendous amount of responsibility with our badge, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” Campbell said.

Ben Crump, a lawyer for the Massey family, said a 36-year-old woman called police a couple of suspected home invasion. He said she was unarmed and had been shot in the face.

Crump said the costs were “a step toward justice for Sonia’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since learning of this tragedy.”

About 200 people gathered on the NAACP headquarters in Springfield on Wednesday to point out support for Massey and her family.

“I am outraged that another innocent black woman has lost her life at the hands of a police officer,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said after the arraignment.