Current:Home > InvestOfficials to release video of officer shooting Black woman in her home after responding to 911 call-LoTradeCoin
Officials to release video of officer shooting Black woman in her home after responding to 911 call
View Date:2024-12-23 14:07:20
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Officials in Illinois’ capital plan to release video on Monday of police entering the home of a woman who called 911 for help and the violent scene that ensued when a sheriff’s deputy shot her in the face.
The Illinois State Police announced that Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser will release body-worn camera clips of the July 6 incident that left 36-year-old Sonya Massey dead and prompted first-degree murder charges against former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson.
Ben Crump, the noted civil rights attorney who is representing Massey’s family, told the crowd at her funeral in Springfield on Friday that the video would reveal a crime as startling as the 1955 lynching of Chicago teenager Emmitt Till in Mississippi, the Chicago police shooting of Laquan McDonald and the Minneapolis police murder of George Floyd.
“It is going to shock the conscience of America. It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional,” Crump said. “This sheriff’s deputy was twice as large as Sonya. Why would you have to use a gun to shoot her in the head?”
Crump, who plans a news conference with family members following the video release, is on his second sojourn in Springfield, about 200 miles (322 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. He has also represented relatives of Earl Moore, a Springfield man who died after he was strapped face-down on a stretcher in December 2022. Two emergency medical professionals face murder charges in that case.
Authorities said Massey, who is Black, called 911 in the early morning hours to report a suspected prowler. Grayson entered the house with another deputy, noticed a pot on the stove and gave Massey permission to move it. When she put it on a counter, Grayson allegedly pulled his 9mm pistol and threatened to shoot her. She reportedly apologized and ducked for cover, but Grayson approached and shot her, prosecutors said.
Grayson, who is white, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. A telephone message was left for Grayson’s attorney, Daniel Fultz.
Massey’s death prompted subsequent protests demanding justice in the case. Echoing that call at her funeral, Massey’s father, James Wilburn, said he’s encouraged by the speed with which the Illinois State Police, which investigated the incident, and Milhiser acted.
“In 10 days, they convened a grand jury. They completed their investigation. They arrested, they got him fired,” Wilburn said. “That’s unheard of.”
veryGood! (633)
Related
- Tesla issues 6th Cybertruck recall this year, with over 2,400 vehicles affected
- Porsha Williams' Affordable Home Finds Deliver Real Housewives Glam Starting at Just $7.99
- How biopic Back to Black puts Amy Winehouse right back in the center of her story
- Jason Kelce Shares Details of Full Circle New TV Job
- Advocates Expect Maryland to Drive Climate Action When Trump Returns to Washington
- Sarah Paulson says living separately from girlfriend Holland Taylor is 'secret' to relationship
- Parishioners at Louisiana church stop possible mass shooting
- Naval Academy plebes end their first year with daunting traditional climb of Herndon Monument
- See Leonardo DiCaprio's Transformation From '90s Heartthrob to Esteemed Oscar Winner
- Judge rejects Hunter Biden’s bid to delay his June trial on federal gun charges
Ranking
- Jason Kelce Offers Up NSFW Explanation for Why Men Have Beards
- Fed's Powell says high interest rates may 'take longer than expected' to lower inflation
- Minnesota couple celebrates state's new flag with a Statehood Day party
- Lionel Messi is no fan of new MLS rule: Why his outspoken opposition may spark adjustment
- US Congress hopes to 'pull back the curtain' on UFOs in latest hearing: How to watch
- Meme stocks are roaring again. This time may be different
- Memorial Day weekend 2024 could be busiest for travel in nearly 20 years
- The Golden Bachelorette Reveals Its First Leading Lady Ahead of Fall Premiere
Recommendation
-
New wildfires burn in US Northeast while bigger blazes rage out West
-
Lo Bosworth Reveals Where She Stands With Her Laguna Beach Castmates
-
Whistleblower questions delays and mistakes in way EPA used sensor plane after fiery Ohio derailment
-
Trophy Eyes Fan Details Terrifying Moment She Became Partially Paralyzed After Musician's Stage Dive
-
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger welcome their first son together
-
Why Oklahoma Teen Found Dead on Highway Has “Undetermined” Manner of Death
-
GOP legislative leaders want Democrats to drop Minnesota ERA as part of session-ending deal
-
New York court rejects Trump's appeal of gag order in hush money trial