On July 6, Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman with a mental health disability, was fatally shot by former Illinois Sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, while handling a pot of hot water in her kitchen. Grayson and another deputy were responding to Massey’s 911 call about a potential intruder. Massey’s death, which occurred just a week before the nine-year anniversary of Sandra Bland’s, has amplified calls for justice and an end to police brutality. In recent years, several high-profile police killings of Black people with mental health disabilities have brought the ongoing oppression felt by disabled people of color into the national spotlight. No one should be afraid to ask for help.
The Justice Department initiated an investigation into the fatal shooting of Massey following the public release of body camera footage by the Illinois State Police this week. Reports show Grayson contacted the dispatcher after the shooting and inquired if the police had ever been called to Massey’s home for mental health issues. Additionally, during the recorded conversation, an unidentified officer initially reported to dispatch that Massey’s gunshot wound was “self-inflicted.” Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct, and is being held without bail. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced the investigation, noting significant public outcry, including condemnation from President Joe Biden.
“Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today,” Biden said in a press statement on Monday. “Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss.” DRNC mourns with our nation and once again calls out for justice, accountability, and increased investment in trauma-informed, community-based, peer-led mental health care.
Years of chronic underfunding for behavioral health and divestment from community-based mental health programs has taken a toll across our nation. In the wake of the pandemic, with an unprecedented number of people facing mental health issues, the concern has become increasingly urgent.
Policing reforms are also long overdue. People with disabilities and people of color have long suffered violence and death while in need of protection from law enforcement. DRNC joins the outcry against excessive use of force and urges systemic change to stop these needless, tragic casualties.