Sonya Massey died from a gunshot wound to the head, an autopsy report released on Friday confirmed.
Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sean Grayson, a 30-year-old white man, inside her Springfield, Illinois home on July 6.
The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office determined that Massey was shot beneath her left eye, NBC News reported.
“Based on the information available to me, and on the autopsy findings, it is my opinion that Sonya Massey…died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head,” the report states.
Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Massey’s family, said the autopsy proves that “this was just a senseless, unnecessary, excessive use of force.”
“Completely unnecessary,” he said. “Certainly not justified. I mean, how can you justify this?”
Massey called 911 to report a possible intruder at her home. Body camera footage released on Monday showed Grayson and other deputies responding to the residence.
Grayson warned Massey about a pot of water on the stove. As Massey moved the pot, she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
Grayson said, “You better (expletive) not or I swear to God I’ll (expletive) shoot you in your (expletive) face,” in response. He pulled out his gun and demanded she drop the pot.
“OK, I’m sorry,” Massey said.
She ducked after Grayson pointed his weapon at her. She briefly rose and Grayson shot her three times.
Grayson was fired by the department and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
An unidentified police officer initially reported the fatal gunshot wound as self-inflicted, according to dispatch records obtained by The Independent.
Crump said Massey struggled with her mental health. Weeks before the deadly shooting, her two children went to live with their fathers while she sought help.
“She needed a helping hand, not a bullet to the face,” Crump said. “She just needed those officers to extend an ounce of humanity, not to kill her.”
In a statement released on Monday, Sheriff Jack Campbell said Grayson made “an unjustifiable and reckless decision.”
“Grayson had other options available that he should have used,” Campbell said. “His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office. He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement. Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them.”
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