Father of Sonya Massey Shocked to Learn Police Officer Killed His Daughter

The tragic shooting of Sonya Massey took a disturbing turn as her father, James Wilburn, spoke out for the first time since her killing, revealing that he was unaware it was a police officer who had pulled the trigger on his daughter. In a press conference with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, Wilburn expressed shock and disbelief at the revelation that deputies were involved in his daughter’s death.

The Illinois State Police recently released a 36-minute video including body camera footage from the night of July 6 when former Sangamon Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson responded to Massey’s home. The encounter quickly escalated when officers became apprehensive over a pot of boiling water Massey was holding. Despite being feet away from her, the deputies drew their weapons and ordered her to drop the pot. Tragically, Massey was fatally shot in the face as she ducked behind a counter, uttering her last words, “Okay! I’m sorry!”

Crump criticized Grayson for his troubled history, including multiple DUIs and a pattern of moving between police departments. He called for accountability and justice for Massey, emphasizing that she should still be alive today.

In response to the shooting, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both issued statements condemning the actions of the officer and calling for systemic change in policing. Grayson now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct, and is being held without bail. The case has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police reform.