Sonya Massey’s death: How to prevent more killings of defenseless Black women
On July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey, 36, called 911 to report a potential home intruder at her home in Springfield, Ill. “Don’t hurt me,” were her first words to the two officers who responded. Deputy Sean Grayson reassured her, “Why would I hurt you? You called us.” When Massey was questioned about her mental well-being, she confirmed taking her medicine. Minutes later, Grayson shot and killed her. After the shooting, Grayson labeled her as “crazy” and not deserving of first aid. Video of the killing of Massey was released this week, and chillingly conveys how yet another defenseless Black woman was seen as a threat by armed police officers.
Between 2019 and 2021, approximately 180 calls for help resulted in law enforcement shooting and killing the very people in need. A majority of these individuals had a history of a mental health crisis or were in an active mental health crisis that they or a family member were reporting.
