Watch: Woman calls 911 to report suspected intruder, ‘shot in face’ by Illinois police | Parami News

Bodycam footage released by Illinois police has shown the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old woman who called emergency services to report an intruder at her house in Springfield. This happened over the weekend on Independence Day and led to criminal charges against one of the officers involved, which attracted condemnation from President Joe Biden.

Sangamon county sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson was charged with first-degree murder and official misconduct. He denied these accusations and got dismissed from his post as a law enforcement officer. They yelled at her to drop a pot of boiling water while pointing their guns at Massey in the video. She later died after he threatened to shoot her during an interview.

The events began in early morning hours of July 6 when she phoned police because she suspected that someone had broken into her home. As Massey looked for identification, there was a talk between him and another cop concerning pot on stove. When Woman moved it, following an argument where she said “I rebuke you in Jesus name” he answered “You better not or I swear to God I’ll shoot your (expletive) face.” With that he pulled out his gun and yelled “drop the pot!” then fired shots after ducking down.

Grayson has been held without bail in Sangamon County Jail on serious charges including first-degree murder, aggravated battery firearms, and official misconduct. In its statement released by Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office it argued that this use of force wasn’t justified.

“It is going to shock the conscience of America,” Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Massey’s family said comparing this incident with other infamous acts of violence by police officers. “Woman is that senseless, that unnecessary, that unjustifiable, that unconstitutional,” Crump claimed. The father to Massey; James Wilburn acknowledged fast response by Illinois State Police and presence support from Sangamon County prosecutor.

The public has reacted angrily to the video, with demonstrations calling for justice in Massey’s name. The Attorney General of Illinois, Kwame Raoul urged patience as this case moves through the legal system. “The body camera footage is horrific, and I offer my deepest sympathy to Sonya Massey’s family as they relive a moment no family should experience,” said Raoul.

Grayson’s body camera was not on until after shooting and he also told his partner not to help Massey with medical aid which are matters of dispute in this ongoing investigation. If found guilty Grayson could get life imprisonment for murder among other severe punishments. Daniel Fultz, attorney representing him has been contacted on numerous occasions but he refused giving any statement.

Massey’s death is an indication that police brutality remains a problem and systemic reforms are needed to fix law enforcement practices.