Illinois Woman Sonya Massey Killed During Interaction with Deputy: Ongoing Investigation

Springfield, Illinois United States of America
An altercation ensued between Massey and Grayson leading to Massey's death.
Deputies requested that Massey remove a pot of water from the stove for safety reasons.
Grayson has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in connection to Massey's death.
Illinois woman Sonya Massey was killed during an interaction with Deputy Sean Grayson on July 6, 2024.
Massey had called 911 reporting a possible intruder at her home in Springfield, Illinois.
Illinois Woman Sonya Massey Killed During Interaction with Deputy: Ongoing Investigation

An Illinois woman, Sonya Massey, was tragically killed during an interaction with law enforcement officers on July 6, 2024. According to multiple sources including the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and local news outlets, Massey had called 911 reporting a possible intruder at her home in Springfield, Illinois. Deputies responded to the scene and requested that Massey remove a pot of water from the stove for safety reasons. However, an altercation ensued between Massey and one of the deputies, identified as Sean Grayson, leading to Massey's death.

The details surrounding this incident vary slightly among sources. According to one report by CNN, Grayson did not activate his body camera until after he had shot Massey. Another report by The Guardian states that Massey was rebuking Grayson in the name of Jesus during their interaction before the shooting occurred.

Despite these differences, it is clear that an unfortunate and unnecessary tragedy unfolded on that fateful day. Sangamon County Sheriff Wes Barrs stated in a press release, “The loss of life in this incident is tragic and my heart goes out to the family of Ms. Massey.”

Grayson has since been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct in connection to Massey's death. He is currently being held in jail without bond.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and it is crucial that all facts are brought to light. It is important for the public to remain informed about this developing story as more information becomes available.

Topics: Illinois, Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, Sonya Massey, Sean Grayson, Springfield


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • It is not clear why Grayson did not activate his body camera until after the shooting occurred.
  • The exact sequence of events leading up to the shooting is unclear.

Sources

75%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Body-cam video shows Illinois officer fatally shooting Black woman in face

theguardian.com Article URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/ pakistan-·coalition-·agrees-to-form-government Justin Glawe Monday, 22 July 2024 20:27
  • Unique Points
    • Sonya Massey was fatally shot in her home by deputy Sean Grayson of the Sangamon county sheriff's office in Springfield, Illinois.
    • Massey had called police due to a perceived home intruder.
    • Grayson ordered Massey to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove for safety reasons.
    • Massey responded by rebuking Grayson in the name of Jesus.
    • Grayson drew his gun and closed the distance between himself and Massey, who was kneeling behind a counter with her hands up.
    • Grayson warned Massey he would shoot her if she didn’t comply, to which Massey apologized repeatedly.
    • Grayson fired three shots, striking Massey below the eye and exiting from the back of her neck.
    • Grayson went to get his medical kit after shooting Massey.
  • Accuracy
    • Sonya Massey was fatally shot by deputy Sean Grayson in her home after calling 911 for help.
    • Grayson ordered Massey to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove for safety reasons.
    • Massey responded by rebuking Grayson in the name of Jesus.
  • Deception (0%)
    The author uses emotional manipulation by describing the shooting as 'shocking' and 'fatal'. The author also uses selective reporting by only mentioning that the officer is white and the woman is Black, implying racial bias without providing any evidence. There are no quotes from sources disclosed in the article.
    • The author describes the shooting as 'shocking' and 'fatal'
    • The author implies racial bias by only mentioning that the officer is white and the woman is Black
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the shooting as 'shocking' and 'fatal shooting in the face' multiple times. The author also quotes Cheryl Evans making a statement about police not knocking on her door in the past which could be seen as an appeal to bias, but without more context it is unclear if this is a valid fallacy.
    • “Shocking video shows”,
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

79%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Illinois Police release bodycam video of fatal shooting of Black woman in her home

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Eric Levenson, Monday, 22 July 2024 19:10
  • Unique Points
    • Sonya Massey was fatally shot by deputy Sean Grayson in her home after calling 911 for help.
    • Grayson did not activate his body camera until after he fatally shot Massey.
    • Massey's family is represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
  • Accuracy
    • Sonya Massey went to the stove to turn off a pot of boiling water, which led to the deputies yelling for her to drop it.
    • Three shots were then heard, with Grayson later saying that Massey had threatened him with boiling water.
    • Grayson fired three shots, striking Massey below the eye and exiting from the back of her neck.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the authors' position of the deputies' use of excessive force being unjustified. The author quotes statements from civil rights attorney Ben Crump stating that Massey did not need a bullet to the face and was not aggressive towards the deputies, but does not provide any counter-evidence or opposing viewpoints. The article also implies that Grayson's failure to activate his body camera until after shooting Massey is evidence of wrongdoing, but it does not mention that he had activated his microphone and was communicating with other officers during the incident.
    • Grayson did not activate his body camera until after he fatally shot Massey, according to charging documents.
    • The release of the video comes about two weeks after the fatal shooting and just days after Grayson was charged in her death.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (80%)
    The authors use language that depicts the deputy as being in imminent danger from the woman's actions, specifically when she lifts the pot and says 'I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.' The authors do not provide any context for what 'rebuke' means in this context or why it would be perceived as a threat. This language sets up the reader to view Massey as an extreme or unreasonable figure, potentially justifying the deputy's use of deadly force. Additionally, the authors quote Crump stating that Massey did not need a bullet to the face and had mental health challenges but was not aggressive towards the deputies.
    • Although being doused with scalding water could warrant the use of deadly force by an officer to stop a threat, in this video we certainly don’t see officers attempting alternative options, such as moving away and creating distance between themselves and Massey.
      • But even if you forgive that and limit the observations to the last few seconds, there were still options of a calmer dialogue, more distance between the subject and them, a taser rather than a firearm.
        • She said she was going to rebuke me in the name of Jesus and came at (me) with boiling water.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        97%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Illinois deputy charged with murder shot woman in face after ordering her to move pot of water

        The Associated Press News Thursday, 18 July 2024 12:24
        • Unique Points
          • An Illinois sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, is charged with murder in the death of Sonya Massey after shooting her in the face during a tense interaction over a pot of water at her home.
          • Massey called 911 reporting a possible prowler and deputies responded to the scene.
          • Grayson allowed Massey to move a pot of water from the stove but became agitated over it and pulled out his pistol.
          • Massey put her hands in the air and declared ‘I’m sorry’ before being shot in the face by Grayson.
          • Grayson discouraged his partner from rendering aid to Massey after she was shot.
        • Accuracy
          • Massey put her hands in the air and declared 'I’m sorry' before being shot in the face by Grayson.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        73%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Video shows sheriff’s deputy shoot and kill an unarmed woman in Springfield, Ill.

        WBEZ Chicago Public Media Mawa Iqbal Monday, 22 July 2024 20:12
        • Unique Points
          • Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed an unarmed woman named Sonya Massey in her home on July 6 after she called 9-1-1 to report a potential prowler.
          • Massey was cowering in fear and trying to hide behind a kitchen counter after deputies pulled their guns.
          • Grayson has been fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and is charged with first-degree murder.
          • President Joe Biden called for police reform, stating that Americans should be able to call for help without fearing for their lives, especially in light of incidents like Massey’s.
          • Grayson did not turn his body camera on until after the incident. The other deputy’s body camera captured the footage of the shooting.
          • Grayson pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him.
        • Accuracy
          • Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home despite her being unarmed.
          • Grayson ordered Massey to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove for safety reasons but later drew his gun and shot her when she was handling it.
          • Massey was cowering in fear and trying to hide behind a kitchen counter after deputies pulled their guns, yet Grayson warned her he would shoot her if she came closer with the boiling water.
          • Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder, but the investigation does not support a finding that he was justified in his use of deadly force.
        • Deception (0%)
          The author uses emotional manipulation by stating 'It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional.' and 'Justice demands answers and accountability. We need to know how and why someone capable of such a horrible act was given a badge and a gun in the first place.' These statements are not factual but rather an opinion of the author. The author also uses selective reporting by only mentioning details that support their position, such as 'Grayson has been fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and is charged with first degree murder.' without mentioning that Grayson has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
          • It is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional.
          • Justice demands answers and accountability. We need to know how and why someone capable of such a horrible act was given a badge and a gun in the first place.
        • Fallacies (75%)
          The article contains an appeal to authority in the form of a quote from President Joe Biden. Additionally, there are examples of inflammatory rhetoric when describing Grayson's actions as 'horrifying', 'unjustifiable', and 'unconstitutional'. However, no formal logical fallacies have been identified.
          • The shooting was evidence of the need for Congress to pass police reform.
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        94%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        WATCH: Body camera footage of deputy-involved shooting of Sonya Massey

        News Channel 20 Unknown WICS/WCCU Monday, 22 July 2024 22:49
        • Unique Points
          • On July 6, at 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield.
          • Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct on July 17.
          • Grayson could face life in prison if convicted.
          • On July 6, Sonya Massey, 36, was shot during the incident and later pronounced deceased at an area hospital.
          • Deputies entered Massey’s home to gather further information and ensure the residence was safe.
          • A pot containing heated water was noticed on the stove. With police approval, Massey went to remove it.
          • Another deputy cleared the house and nothing dangerous was noted.
          • Grayson commented about the pot from the living room and Massey responded verbally. She set the pot down on the counter.
          • Grayson drew his 9mm firearm and threatened to shoot Massey in the face. Massey put her hands in the air and said she was sorry while ducking for cover behind a counter.
          • Grayson closed the gap between him and Massey and yelled at her to put the pot down. He then fired his duty weapon three times, striking Massey in the face once.
          • Illinois State Police performed an independent investigation of Grayson’s actions.
        • Accuracy
          • Grayson drew his 9mm firearm and threatened to shoot Massey in the face.
          • Grayson fired three shots, striking Massey in the face once.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article reports on the release of body camera footage of a deputy-involved shooting and provides details about the incident. However, it includes an appeal to authority by mentioning that an independent investigation was conducted by Illinois State Police and a 'Use of Force' expert analyzed the footage. The article also uses inflammatory rhetoric with phrases like 'disturbing situation', 'profane language', and describing the defendant's actions as unjustified.
          • ]WARNING: This video contains the scene of a disturbing situation, including profanity, that may not be appropriate for some viewers.
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication