The Division of Justice has opened an investigation into the killing of Sonya Massey, a Black girl shot by a white police officer in July after calling to report a prowler exterior her residence.
In a letter to Illinois’ Sangamon County Sheriff’s Workplace, the DOJ stated the taking pictures raised “serious concerns about SCSO’s interactions with Black people and people with behavioral health disabilities.”
The DOJ added that the incident has raised issues in regards to the “policies, practices, procedures, and training regarding community policing, bias-free policing, response to behavioral health crises, use of force, de-escalation” on the sheriff’s workplace.
The DOJ has requested copies of all paperwork associated to Massey’s case, together with cellphone logs, dispatch data, recordings, physique digicam footage and a listing of all personnel who responded to the scene. The SCSO has till Dec.14 to offer the requested paperwork.
Massey was fatally shot by deputy Sean Grayson in July.
When officers arrived, Massey opened her door and instantly stated, “Don’t damage me.”
As soon as inside the house, Grayson pointed to a pot sitting on a flame on the range and stated, “We don’t need a fire while we’re here.”
Massey moved the pot close to a sink earlier than she stated, “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 responded earlier than he pulled out his 9mm pistol and demanded Massey drop the pot.
“OK, I’m sorry,” Massey responded. Grayson’s pointed his weapon at Massey as she ducked and raised her fingers.
Although Grayson was nonetheless in the lounge, with a counter between himself and Massey, he shot her 3 times. One hit her within the head, a deadly blow.
After Grayson shot her, he tried to discourage his accomplice from offering first help to Massey.
“You can go get it, but that’s a headshot,” he stated. “There’s nothing you can do, man.”
In its letter to the county, the DOJ calls for to know if the sheriff’s workplace has methods in place for responding to individuals in “behavioral health crises.”
Simply at some point earlier than the taking pictures, Massey’s mom had known as the police division asking for assist as her mom was having a psychological breakdown.
The DOJ can be investigating the county’s central emergency dispatch system for violations of federal nondiscrimination insurance policies.
The Sangamon County State’s Lawyer’s Workplace stated Grayson had not been “justified in his use of deadly force.” He has been fired from the division and charged with homicide, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He has pleaded not responsible.
