In a tragic incident that has sparked outrage and demands for justice, an autopsy report released on Friday confirmed that Sonya Massey, a Black woman residing in Springfield, Illinois, was killed by a bullet that struck beneath her left eye. The shooting occurred earlier this month when Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean P. Grayson responded to Massey's call about a possible intruder. Grayson, who has since been charged with her murder, pleaded not guilty.

Family members revealed on Friday that Massey had a prior encounter with law enforcement in her home the day before the fatal shooting. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family as the Justice Department conducts an investigation, disclosed at a press conference that Massey had sought help at HSHS St. John's Hospital but had returned home later that day.

Crump passionately expressed that Massey was in need of assistance, not a bullet to the face. The attorney also raised concerns about Grayson's misconduct by highlighting two unsubstantiated allegations of excessive force predating his employment in Springfield. Grayson, 30, had worked in five different departments prior to joining Sangamon County in May 2023.

Further scrutiny was directed towards Grayson's record, which revealed a history of DUI charges that were known to the sheriff's department. Records indicated that he had faced two DUI charges, including one during his time in the Army. As per his personnel file, Grayson had separated from the Army in 2016 due to "misconduct (serious offense)." This information has raised questions about whether any other red flags existed prior to his employment.

Crump and his legal team have been in contact with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding Grayson's actions. An investigation into the case was initiated earlier this week. The family expressed their frustration, stating that they were only informed 24 hours after Massey's death that the shooter was a sheriff's deputy. Massey's 18-year-old son, Malachi Hill, reportedly learned the graphic details about his mother's death without being told who was responsible by the police.

As the community mourns the loss of Sonya Massey, the calls for justice and accountability are growing louder. The investigation by the Justice Department will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, while advocates push for transparency and a thorough examination of Grayson's past actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding law enforcement accountable and addressing systemic issues to prevent future tragedies.