The newly released body camera footage shows police responding to a 911 call about a Springfield woman having a mental breakdown, just 16 hours before a sheriff’s deputy fatally shot her. Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, was shot by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, who has been charged with murder in her killing. The video shows police arriving at Massey’s mother’s home, where Massey appears in distress, expressing concern about her belongings and medication. She tells officers that her water and gas were shut off and that she was feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.
Massey’s mother tells police that this behavior is out of character for her daughter, who had recently checked out of a mental health facility. Despite medical personnel arriving and questioning Massey, she insists she does not need to speak to a doctor. The officers ultimately help her into a truck with her belongings and medication so she can go home, telling her they are there to help. However, the next day, another call was made that led to Massey being fatally shot by Grayson and another deputy. During the encounter inside Massey’s home, Grayson threatened Massey with violence before fatally shooting her as she raised her hands in surrender.
Grayson was fired from the department and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in connection with Massey’s death. The incident has raised criticism of Grayson’s handling of the situation, with many stating that Massey was treated as a dangerous threat instead of someone in distress. The video footage has sparked outrage and calls for justice for Massey, highlighting the need for better training and protocols for law enforcement when responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
In response to Massey’s tragic death, resources for mental health support have been shared, including the option to call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Additional local mental health and crisis resources can be found at dontcallthepolice.com for those in need of assistance. The International Association for Suicide Prevention is also recommended for those outside of the U.S. seeking support. The incident involving Massey underscores the importance of compassionate and appropriate responses to individuals in crisis, highlighting the need for improved mental health resources and alternatives to police intervention in such situations.
The footage of the encounter between Massey and law enforcement sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals experiencing mental health issues and the need for specialized training for police officers to handle such situations effectively. Massey’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the systemic issues within law enforcement and the disproportionate impact on communities of color. Calls for accountability and reform have been made in the wake of Massey’s death, with many demanding justice for her and others who have been harmed by police violence. The incident has sparked conversations about mental health support, police training, and the need for community-based responses to mental health crises to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
