Deputy believed Sonya Massey’s use of “in the name of Jesus” suggested she intended to harm him

In Springfield, Illinois, a deputy sheriff involved in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in her home last month stated in his field report that he believed Massey intended harm when she mentioned “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus” during the encounter. The deputy, Grayson, explained that he interpreted her words as a threat to his life, prompting him to draw his pistol when Massey ducked behind a counter, fearing she might reach for a weapon.

Grayson, a 30-year-old deputy of Sangamon County Sheriff’s office, now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct in connection with Massey’s death on July 6. The incident has sparked national outcry over the deaths of Black individuals at the hands of law enforcement in their homes. Grayson has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney refrained from commenting on the matter.

Support for Massey’s family, who has demanded the resignation of Sheriff Jack Campbell due to Grayson’s past issues, has grown. The family has enlisted the help of civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Massey’s family highlighted her struggles with mental health issues, citing her pleas to God upon meeting the deputies and her request for a Bible inside her home.

According to Grayson’s account, during the confrontation, Massey grabbed a pot of boiling liquid and made movements that led Grayson to believe he was in imminent danger of being harmed. The deputy, feeling threatened, fired three rounds at Massey, one of which tragically struck her below the eye. Grayson reported that he feared severe bodily harm or death from the boiling substance Massey seemed to threaten him with.

Following the incident, Grayson was placed on administrative leave and was allowed to review the body camera video. The report mentions that Grayson activated his camera only after the shooting, while the other deputy’s report, along with those of seven other officers present at the scene, were not included in the release. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing amidst calls for justice and accountability in the case.