Officials in Illinois’ capital are set to release video footage on Monday of a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a woman after a sheriff’s deputy shot her in the face. The Illinois State Police announced that body-worn camera clips of the July 6 incident, which led to first-degree murder charges against the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy, will be made public.
The incident involved a 36-year-old woman named Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help. The shooting took place inside her home, and the violent encounter ultimately led to her untimely death. The attorney representing Massey’s family, Ben Crump, compared the forthcoming video to other high-profile cases of police violence, emphasizing the shocking nature of the events captured.
According to authorities, Massey, who was Black, called 911 to report a suspected prowler. When the deputies arrived at her residence, a confrontation ensued, resulting in Massey being shot in the face by the sheriff’s deputy. The deputy, who is white, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.
The tragic incident has sparked protests and calls for justice in the community. Massey’s father expressed appreciation for the swift actions taken by law enforcement in investigating the case and bringing charges against the deputy involved. He highlighted the speed with which the Illinois State Police and the State's Attorney handled the matter, noting the arrest and subsequent firing of the deputy within a short timeframe.
The release of the video footage is expected to shed light on the events leading up to Massey’s death and provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The case has drawn national attention and raised concerns about police conduct and accountability in the community.
