Police fatally shoot woman for holding a pot of water

Bodycam footage has been released of a police response to a 911 call in Illinois that resulted in the caller being fatally shot in her own home. Sonya Massey, 36, had called 911 on July 6 to report a suspected prowler outside her house. The footage shows Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson and his partner respond to the call, before entering Massey’s house to get some details.

Massey goes to take a pot of boiling water off her stove, appearing to say ‘I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’ Grayson takes this as a threat, and points his gun at her, saying he will ‘f_***_ing shoot you right in your f***ing face.’ Massey then apologises and ducks behind the counter, at which point Grayson shoots her. Grayson’s partner prepares to administer medical aid, but Grayson informs him there’s no point, as Massey had been shot in the head.

Deputy Grayson has been fired, and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He has pleaded guilty to all charges, and is currently being detained awaiting a court appearance.