In a shocking turn of events, newly released audio recordings have revealed that the deadly shooting of Sonya Massey by an Illinois cop, now charged with her murder, was initially reported as "self-inflicted." The distressing footage, which emerged earlier this week, depicted Massey, 36, being shot multiple times after apologizing to the officers and ducking down to avoid the threatening remark made by one of them.

According to bodycam footage released by the Illinois State Police, a dispatcher inquired about the incident, asking the responding Sangamon County sheriff's deputies if it was a case of "self-inflicted." An unidentified voice on the recording responded affirmatively. However, the video evidence clearly contradicts this initial claim, showing Deputy Sean Grayson, 30, shooting Massey inside her home after she had already apologized and moved out of his way. As a result, Grayson has been terminated from his position and now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.

The footage also revealed that Grayson had inquired about Massey's mental health history, specifically asking if she had a "call history for being 10-96," a police code referring to mentally ill individuals. Massey's family members have alleged that they were informed by the police that her death was a result of suicide. Jimmy Crawford Jr., the father of Massey's daughter, confided during a press conference that hospital staff had informed him of her supposed suicide.

Adding to the confusion, Massey's son, 17-year-old Malachi Hill Massey, stated that he was told his mother had been shot in the eye, resulting in the bullet exiting through her neck, but he was not provided with information about the perpetrator. Grayson himself vehemently denies the charges against him and has entered a plea of not guilty.

Further scrutiny of Grayson's career revealed a pattern of instability, as he had worked for six different police agencies in a span of only four years, according to records. Between 2020 and 2024, he held part-time positions at three police departments, a full-time position at another, and two full-time positions at different sheriff's offices.

The tragic incident unfolded after Massey called the police, believing she heard a prowler outside her home. The bodycam footage captured Grayson and his partner attempting to ascertain Massey's identity, as she appeared confused and had a history of mental health issues. However, the encounter quickly escalated when Grayson, reacting aggressively, threatened to shoot Massey in the face as she held a pot of boiling water. Despite her compliance and apology, Grayson fired three shots at her, fatally striking her below her eye.

What is even more disturbing is that Grayson can be heard discouraging his partner from retrieving a medical kit to treat Massey's wound, stating that there was nothing that could be done due to the fatal headshot. When additional police officers arrived at the scene, Grayson claimed that Massey had attacked him with boiling water, despite evidence to the contrary.

Sheriff Jack Campbell of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office condemned Grayson's actions, labeling them as "unjustifiable and reckless" in an official statement. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden also expressed their condolences, describing Massey's killing as an "unthinkable and senseless loss."

Attorney Crump, representing Massey's family, remarked that she needed assistance and support and not a bullet to her face. The case highlights the importance of addressing issues related to police conduct and mental health response in order to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.