Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement saying he was “enraged” after an Illinois sheriff’s deputy was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a woman inside her home, a death that led to protests demanding justice for the black victim.
Sonya Massey was killed after Sangamon County deputies responded to her 911 call early July 6, State’s Attorney John Milhiser said.
Milhiser’s statement did not describe the circumstances leading up to the shooting at Massey’s home in Springfield, 200 miles (322 kilometers) south of Chicago. But he said a review of body-camera videos did not justify the use of deadly force.
Rep. Sean Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, Milhiser said Wednesday.
Grayson, who is white, was in custody awaiting a court appearance Thursday. Defense attorney Dan Fultz declined to comment.
Sheriff Jack Campbell said Grayson was fired.
“It’s clear that the MP did not act as he was trained or in accordance with our standards. … With our badge, we accept a tremendous amount of responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” Campbell said.
In a statement released on July 17, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he was “enraged that another innocent black woman had her life taken by a police officer.”
Pritzker’s full statement can be found below.
Ben Crump, Massey’s family attorney, said the 36-year-old woman called police about an alleged break-in at her home. He said she was unarmed and was shot in the face.
Crump said the charges were a “step toward justice for Sonya’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since learning of this tragedy.”
As many as 200 people gathered at the Springfield NAACP building on Wednesday to express their support for Massey and his family.
