Autopsy Confirms Sonya Massey Died From Gunshot Wound

Malachi Hill Massey, 17, center, speaks at a news conference on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the NAACP headquarters in Springfield, Ill., about his mother, Sonya Massey, who was shot to death by a Sanga

An autopsy report released on Friday revealed that Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman from Illinois, died from a gunshot wound to the head. The findings confirmed initial conclusions by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon that Massey's death on July 6 was a homicide. The report also noted minor blunt force injuries to Massey's right leg.

The ex-sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, who is facing charges in Massey's death, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Grayson, who was fired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, is currently in jail without bond.