Body-cam video shows Illinois police fatally shooting woman in home

Illinois police have released bodycam footage capturing the chaotic moments leading up to the fatal shooting of a woman who had called 911 to report a suspected intruder at her home.

The death of 26-year-old Sonya Massey during Independence Day weekend has led to criminal charges against one of the officers who responded to her home, and has drawn condemnation from President Joe Biden.

Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson has been fired from the police force and charged with murder and official misconduct.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office stated on Monday that Grayson's use of force on Massey was unjustified. In a statement, President Biden expressed that he was "heartbroken" for her family.

The incident took place in early hours of July 6, when Massey called the police to her home in Springfield, 200 miles (320 km) south of Chicago, to report a suspected break-in.

The deputies followed Massey inside her home, and watched as she searched for her identification.
Deputy Sean Grayson saw a pot on a stove and said, "we don't need a fire while we're here".

As Massey walked to the stove to remove the pot, she and Grayson laughed over her pot of "steaming hot water," before she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

"You better (expletive) not or I swear to God I'll (expletive) shoot you in your (expletive) face," Grayson said.

He then drew his pistol as he shouted on her to drop the pot.

"OK, I'm sorry," Massey is heard saying before she ducked and raised her hands.

"What else do we do? I’m not taking hot boiling water to the face,” he said after shooting her.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office said on Monday, Grayson was not justified in his use of force on Massey.

In a statement, President Biden said, “Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.”

“I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake,” the statement further added.

Lawyers for Massey's family have commended prosecutors for their swift action against Grayson.

(With inputs from agencies)