SPRINGFIELD, Ailing. — The previous sheriff’s deputy charged with homicide within the deadly taking pictures of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black lady killed inside her Illinois dwelling, had been employed by a half-dozen police companies since 2020, in line with state legislation enforcement information.
Sean Grayson’s profession included quick stints as a part-time officer at three small police departments and a full-time job at a fourth division in addition to working full time at two sheriff’s workplaces, all in central Illinois.
Grayson, 30, who’s white, has pleaded not responsible to first-degree homicide, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct expenses within the July 6 killing. He was fired final week by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Workplace.
Authorities mentioned Massey had referred to as 911 to report a suspected prowler. Two deputies ultimately confirmed up at her home in Springfield, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) southwest of Chicago.
Sheriff’s physique digital camera video launched Monday confirmed prosecutors’ earlier account of the tense second when Grayson yelled throughout a counter at Massey to set down a pot of scorching water. He then threatened to shoot the unarmed lady, Massey ducked and briefly rose, and Grayson fired his pistol at her. Massey was hit 3 times, with a deadly shot to her head.
At a information convention Tuesday in Springfield, civil rights legal professional Ben Crump, who’s representing Massey’s household, asserted that the Justice Division had opened an investigation into the incident, “which is welcome, as a result of there have been some considerations and revelations by the household that we expect must be investigated.” He mentioned he didn’t know the scope of the probe.
However in an announcement, the Division of Justice mentioned it “is conscious of and assessing the circumstances surrounding the tragic officer-involved dying” and mentioned it “will proceed to trace the felony case.”
James Wilburn, Massey’s father, referred to as for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign.
“I need to inform y’all of the sheriff right here is a humiliation,” Wilburn mentioned. “This man (Grayson) ought to have by no means had a badge. And he ought to have by no means had a gun. He ought to have by no means been given the chance to kill my baby.”
A phone message was left with Campbell’s workplace.
The Related Press is searching for Grayson’s employment historical past from the six companies.
The Illinois Regulation Enforcement Coaching and Requirements Board exhibits Grayson was employed half time on Aug. 11, 2020, by the Pawnee Police Division. He additionally was employed half time on Feb. 4, 2021, by the Kincaid Police Division and on Might 20, 2021, by the Virden Police Division.
Two months later, he was employed full time by the Auburn Police Division and remained there till Might 1, 2022, when he was employed full time by the Logan County Sheriff’s Workplace. Grayson left Logan County on April 28, 2023, and was employed full time on Might 1, 2023, by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Workplace.
He obtained his part-time Regulation Enforcement Certification on June 5, 2021, in line with the Illinois Regulation Enforcement Coaching and Requirements Board. His certification standing at the moment reads as suspended on the board’s web site.
Grayson’s legal professional, Daniel Fultz, declined remark.
Wilburn and Sonya Massey’s mom, Donna Massey, met with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton at a Baptist church Tuesday morning.
“They understood that oftentimes the Sonya Masseys of the world don’t get due technique of the legislation. And that they have been dedicated to saying this might be a good and clear investigation and course of at each stage,” Crump mentioned.
The household needs Congress to approve the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, each of which U.S. Home Democrats authorised in 2021 earlier than the laws died within the Senate. The primary goals to crack down on police misconduct, extreme pressure and racial bias in legislation enforcement, whereas the voting rights act would require native jurisdictions to hunt federal approval earlier than altering voting legal guidelines.
“Each member of Congress must vote right now in order that no one else on this United States of America has to undergo what we’re going by,” Wilburn mentioned.
In an announcement launched Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris mentioned she is becoming a member of President Joe Biden in calling on Congress to cross the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
“Sonya Massey deserved to be protected,” Harris mentioned. “After she referred to as the police for assist, she was tragically killed in her own residence by the hands of a responding officer sworn to guard and serve. The disturbing footage launched yesterday confirms what we all know from the lived experiences of so many — we’ve got a lot work to do to make sure that our justice system absolutely lives as much as its title.”
Massey’s oldest baby, 17-year-old Malachi Hill Massey, mentioned he watched the start the physique digital camera video of the taking pictures of his mom however didn’t end it.
“I don’t haven’t any phrases for this,” Malachi Massey mentioned.
Grayson was being held with out bond within the Sangamon County Jail. If convicted, he faces jail sentences of 45 years to life for homicide, six to 30 years for battery and two to 5 years for misconduct.
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Williams reported from Detroit. Related Press author Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, D.C., contributed.
