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An Illinois deputy, Sean P. Grayson, has been charged with first-degree murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her home despite her putting her arms up and saying “I’m sorry” during a possible intruder situation. Massey, a Black woman, was shot in the face and later died. Grayson has been terminated from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, and state police have concluded that his use of deadly force was unjustified. The incident has led to community protests and calls for justice.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has described the shooting as “heartbreaking” and emphasized the need to address the impact of such incidents on communities of color. Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been retained by Massey’s family, who support the decision to deny bail for Grayson.

The court documents reveal that Grayson did not follow proper procedures, including not activating his body-worn camera until after the shooting. Grayson allegedly threatened Massey with a gun and fired three times, striking her once in the face. The judge has ordered Grayson to remain in custody pre-trial, citing his callousness during and after the shooting.

The incident comes at a time when police-involved killings are on the rise, with over 1,300 people killed by police in 2023, making it the deadliest year on record. Civil rights advocates are continuing to raise awareness and push for accountability in cases of police violence. Grayson’s next court hearing is scheduled for August 26.

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