The Case of Sonya Massey

On July 6^th, 2024, Sean Grayson arrived at Sonya Massey’s residence in Springfield, Illinois, around 1:20am, according to the police body cam footage. The report revealed that Massey had called the police to report a “prowler” outside her apartment. When the officers arrived Sonya Massey was apparently distraught with the stove on in the background. Atop the stove sat a pot of boiling water. It was undeclared the reason that Sonya Massey was boiling a pot of water at this hour. Massey could have been using the boiling water to (1) cook; (2) humidify the air; or (3) execute a previously plotted attack. Nevertheless, Sonya’s behavior heightened the tension in the room as the officers proceeded to identify Sonya Massey, requesting her ID. Under Illinois law, the creation of a reasonable threat that would result in bodily injury is merited in the use of necessary force in defense. Massey, could not locate her ID at the time the officers arrived; but claimed she had her paperwork she could provide to the police officers. The responding officers appeared confused by Massey’s response, asking her “what paperwork?”

Whilst inside her home, Sean Grayson noticed the pot of boiling liquid, and motioned to his partner that there was a steaming boiling pot of liquid on the stove. Grayson asked for Sonya to go turn off the stove. Sonya got up to turn off the stove, but proceeded to lift the pot of boiling water. Next, Grayson then backed away from Massey who turned towards the police officers holding the boiling pot. Sonya Massey then asked, “[w]here are you going?” Grayson replied “[a]way from your hot steaming water;” Sonya repeated, “[a]way from my hot steaming water?” Next, Sonya declared “[o]h, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Seemingly started, Grayson asked, “[h]uh?” Sonya repeated, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Here, Sonya Massey could have asked the police officers to leave. She did not. Instead, she proceeded to near the officers with the pot of boiling liquid substance. Scripture clearly states that “[i]t would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them,” (Luke 17:3-4; NIV). Massey appeared to be weaponizing Scripture to merit a proceeding violent action against the officer; rather than requesting the officers immediately leave the premise.

At this point Sonya Massey was issuing a threat to the officers, or led Grayson to believe he was now placed in danger—legally empowering the police officers, (or any welcomed entity placed in the same position) to respond with the necessary force required to prevent imminent bodily injury or death. Boiling liquid substances can be used as a weapon to incur imminent injury—or death under specific circumstances.

Regardless of Sonya’s intent, the legality of Grayson’s actions depends on his reasonable belief pursuant to Illinois law. If Grayson perceived a reasonable threat to himself or his partner, he was merited in using force intended or likely to cause bodily injury or death, 720 ILCS, 5/7-1 (2024). Sean Grayson appears to have perceived Sonya’s words as a direct threat, reacting near instantly—Grayson responded “[y]ou better fucking not, I swear to God. I’ll fucking shoot you right in the fucking face.” Immediately following this, Grayson pulled his gun and aimed at Sonya.

As Grayson pulled his gun, Sonya Massey instantly retreated—ducking down and saying “alright, I’m sorry.” But, Sonya stood back up to grab the pot of boiling water, using both hands. Clearly, something was strange; heightening the prospect of injury to the responding police officers. It then started to become more apparent that Massey intended to use the boiling liquid as a weapon against the officers.

At this point, Sonya was either (1) trying to throw the boiling water at the police officers; or (2) trying to physically place the water on the ground. But it seems unlikely she would place the boiling pot of water on the ground. Thus, it appears she intended to throw the boiling water at the police officers. It is unknown what she was thinking at the time she grabbed the boiling pot of liquid. If Sonya was in her right mind, she ought to have known that boiling water would merit the use of deadly force. Sonya holding and beginning to throw the boiling pot of water placed her in a position subject to reasonable belief of bodily injury or death; thus legally meriting the use of deadly force under Illinois law. In response Grayson and his partner approached Sonya with their guns drawn; Grayson then fired three consecutive shots at Sonya, shooting her in the head. Grayson reported “[s]hots fired, shots fired;” then promptly called in the shooting, stating, “[b]ring EMS now, we got a headshot wound to the female.” Grayson’s partner asked if he should get the “kit;” but was advised to stay and remain present; citing that Sonya had already passed away due to the gunshot wound to her head.

Sean Grayson seems to have acted in self defense, evidently fearing for his life. Critics claim ‘Grayson acted irrationally’, using ‘extreme force’ to kill Sonya Massey. Further, critics claim that Grayson ‘did not use a taser, pepper spray, or any other method of force;’ and that Grayson ‘pulled his gun and fired seconds later, aiming for the head without considering further alternatives’. Sonya Massey did not have to die. But Sonya Massey arming herself with boiling liquid and issuing a threat positioned her to be legally subject to the use of deadly force. Under Illinois’s 720 ILCS 5/7-1 (2024), “a person is justified in the use of force against another when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or another against such other’s imminent use of unlawful force. However, he is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he reasonably believes that such is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or another, or the commission of a forcible felony,” 720 ILCS 5/7-1 (2024). Grayson fired to attempt to stop being disfigured by a boiling substance. Grayson held a reasonable belief that he would suffer great bodily injury or death by coming in contact with boiling liquid. The video reveals the liquid was boiling, and Grayson feared for his safety. Thus, Grayson was legally merited in his use of deadly force.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone,” (Romans 12:18; NIV). Yet the prospect of boiling water places the police officer in imminent danger of permanent bodily damage, or death. It is difficult to know exactly how someone would react until they are placed in that situation.

God reminds us through Paul that everybody here has a purpose. Although we often find ourselves in direct conflict with polar opposites of our ideal version of an ideal character; we must present our best selves in all circumstances. As the Apostle Paul scribed, “[f]or by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully, (Romans 12:3-8; NIV). Police officers do not have a duty to retreat; and can use deadly force if they perceive a threat of incurring great bodily injury or harm. Police have an obligation to fulfill to the public, but they are also citizens who possess inherent natural rights; thus are not expected to let someone potentially disfigure them with a boiling substance.

The bodycam footage is difficult to watch, but evidences the necessity of the self-ruling citizen. Inviting the police into a residence, opens up a citizen’s private life to the State. Sonya Massey appears to have been burdened by mental illness, or a potential substance abuse problem, resulting in her strange and erratic behavior. The steaming liquid was not only boiling; but to the officers, it was an unknown substance. Moreover, Sonya Massey’s house was disheveled and in disarray, but had three trash cans visible, and three vacuum cleaners. Hence, both of these accusations (mental illness or drug usage) are purely speculative. (Mental illness or drug usage is not brought up to denounce Sonya Massey, but to further shed light on Grayson’s swift behavior, and use of deadly force. However, under Illinois law, Sean Grayson's use of force was legally justified. Sonya Massey's potential mental illness or drug problem only heightens the prospect of danger to Grayson and his partner. Why did Sonya call the police? Why was she boiling liquid at 1:20am? Was this liquid water or another boiling substance? Could this tragedy have been averted? Why didn't Sonya Massey ask the police officers to leave her house?

For readers wanting to view the body cam footage to see the facts of the case first-hand, the footage has been provided at the bottom of this page. Warning: this video contains graphic footage; it is published here for purposes of legal analysis only.