Sonya Massey’s autopsy report confirms she died from a gunshot wound to the head

An autopsy report released Friday confirmed that 36-year-old Sonya Massey died from a gunshot wound to the head after being shot by a Sangamon County deputy.

In a six-page document, the Sangamon County Medical Examiner’s Office says Massey was shot below the left eye.

“Based on the information available to me and the results of the autopsy, it is my opinion that Sonya Massey…died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head,” the report states.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Massey’s family, is expected to address the findings at a news conference.

Massey was shot inside her Springfield, Illinois, home on July 6 after Sangamon County deputies responded to her 911 call about a possible burglar.

Body camera video released Monday shows Deputy Sean Grayson and his partner talking to Massey outside his home. The footage shows officers inside.

Massey is seen in the video walking into her kitchen and taking a pan of boiling water from the stove. Grayson swears at Massey, telling her “you better not. I swear to God I’m going to shoot you right in your face.” Both deputies yell for Massey to drop the pan before Grayson opens fire.

Court records state that Grayson did not render aid after the shooting and discouraged his partner from doing so.

Grayson was fired by the department and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and official misconduct. He pleaded not guilty to his plea deal last week and a judge ordered him to remain in custody without bail.

Sheriff Jack Campbell called Grayson’s actions “unjustifiable” and “reckless.”

“Grayson had other options available that he should have used,” Campbell said in a statement. declaration Monday after the body camera footage was released. “His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect our office’s values ​​or training. He will now face trial through the criminal justice system and will never work in law enforcement again.”

Crump said the news of Grayson’s firing and arrest was “a step toward justice for Sonya’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since being notified of this tragedy.”

An Illinois State Police summary of the shooting says a car found at Massey’s home appeared to have been broken into. Deputies found Massey “distraught and not thinking clearly,” according to the summary.

Once inside his home, Grayson pointed to a container on the stove, the summary says. He says Massey turned off the heat, picked up the pan, took it to the sink and turned on the water.

Massey asked deputies what they were doing, according to the summary, and Grayson responded that he was moving away from the boiling water.

“I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Massey said twice, according to the summary. Grayson then threatened to shoot Massey in the face, it says.

According to the summary, after Grayson drew his firearm and ordered Massey to drop the pan, she let go and ducked under a row of cabinets in the kitchen.

Court documents state she raised her hands and apologized before bending down. According to the summary, when Grayson approached her, she quickly stood up, picked up the pot and poured hot water on a chair next to the cabinets. Grayson fired three shots, hitting her once in the face, she says.