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a former sheriff’s deputy Sonya Massey’s murder charge Testified that his “actions matched the level of threat.”
Macy, a 36-year-old Black single mother, was shot and killed in July 2024 by Shawn Grayson, a white man who worked for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. Illinois That time, after reporting a suspected stalker on her property near Springfield.
Grayson testified during his murder trial on Monday, in which he argued that he shot Massey in self-defense because she told him she would “rebuke him in the name of Jesus.”
Grayson said of Massey’s comment on the stand, “It caught me off guard; it came out of nowhere.” WBEZ Chicago,
While police were inside Massey’s home, he took out a pot of water from the stove in his kitchen.
During a conversation with Grayson and another officer, she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” according to body camera footage shared by . fox baltimore,
Grayson then yelled, “You better not be talking nonsense. I swear to God I’ll shoot you in your fucking face,” and pointed the gun at him.
He shot him three times, one of which hit Macy below his left eye. associated Press Informed.
Grayson claimed in court that he shot Massey because he thought she was about to throw a pot of boiling water at him.
“We are trained to use force that will get compliance to get the situation under control,” Grayson said. He said, “In this situation, I matched the threat level, and the only thing that could have stopped the threat was my duty weapon.”
Grayson is facing three counts of first-degree murder, which could send him up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
Macy’s murder sparked protests in several cities, including Chicago, New York City, and Atlanta.
In August, the Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker Put signature on “Sonya Massey’s Bill” into lawWhich revised the police recruitment procedures. Messi’s family too Reached a $10 million settlement with authorities in Sangamon County in February.
The defense rested its case on Monday, and closing arguments and jury deliberations are scheduled to begin Tuesday, according to NBC News.