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New Records Show Warning Calls from Sonya Massey’s Mom Ahead of Police Killing

HeadlineAug 09, 2024

Back in the U.S., Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has called on Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign over his mishandling of the fatal July shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman. One of Campbell’s deputies shot Massey in her own kitchen after she called 911 for help. Sean Grayson, who is white, has been charged with first-degree murder.

This comes as newly released records show several emergency calls were made from Massey’s home regarding her mental health in the days leading up to the fatal shooting. In one call to 911, Massey’s mother, Donna Massey, reported her daughter was having a “mental breakdown.” Donna Massey goes on to tell the dispatcher, “I don’t want you guys to hurt her,” and said she feared a police officer who is “prejudiced” would be sent to her daughter’s home.

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