While we all agree that good law enforcement and police protection is essential to our life and safety as a community and even society, just imagine this:
- You call the police to protect you against a threat.
- You feel threatened by the police
- You begin to rebuke the devil you see in the posture and demeanor of the alleged officer
- The police (officer you called for help) points a gun at you and tells you, if you go for that boiling water I will shoot you in your face...
- You say, "I'm sorry"...
- Then, without further provocation, the police, whom you called for protection, shoots to kill you, you from a distance of 10 to 15 feet or not more firing his service weapon 3 times, but striking you once in the head...
Then, when asked why he did this, the alleged officer says, he was in fear for his life, as he feared that you would scold him with a pot of hot water that was on your stove...But unfortunately, you're not here to hear any of this, because the alleged officer didn't protect YOU, he murdered you!
THE VERDICT
On Oct. 29th in the city in which I reside, Peoria, IL, a 2nd degree murder verdict was delivered upon the head of Sean Grayson, an alleged former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy, who, when he was called to help a woman and family struggling, (Sonya Massey), but ended up killing her in what he claimed was an act of "self defense". He stated that he felt threatened, at her potential ability to throw a pot of boiling water on him, (from 10 to 15 feet away, I might add)
Although, the prosecution was for 1st degree murder, which I believe his actions deserved, the jury was instructed on their ability to also impose 2nd degree murder and returned with the 2nd degree verdict.
Attorney Christopher Mccall of Peoria, IL stated the following regarding the 2nd degree verdict:
"This is the law in everyday language. Second-degree murder occurs when someone knowingly and purposefully kills someone but a jury finds mitigating factors such as: the defendant subjectively believed that he or she was acting in self-defense, but the belief was UNREASONABLE. In Illinois, second-degree murder is a Class 1 felony that carries a sentencing range of 4 to 20 years in prison. A judge may also be able to sentence a defendant to probation instead of prison time. But PROBATION is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY to occur here. A fine can be issued up to $25,000. A defendant convicted of second-degree murder can be ordered to pay restitution for all out-of-pocket expenses and losses directly caused by their actions, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and funeral expenses."
Although the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office (Springfield, IL) previously settled with the Massey family for $10MM, the largest settlement in their history, there are yet still serious questions regarding this convicted criminal with a badge? Will he get what he actually deserved?
WAS THIS VERDICT FAIR?
Opinions range in this case, but I don't believe that any reasonable person can view this incident and the result without asking about fairness. Ms. Massey DID NOT deserve to die or be threatened by police. Ms. Massey DID comply with the alleged officer and had an instrument, hot water, that she DID NOT use and dropped as commanded. The alleged officer's actions were over the top and in our opinion he deserved a greater sentence than 2nd degree murder...One can argue, as the defense did, that he didn't enter to kill Ms. Massey, but certainly, at some point, no matter what she did, he intended to inflict harm and obviously, by shooting at her head, he intended for her to not simply comply, but intended to kill her.
Yes, we need police reform...however, we can't lump clowns like Grayson in with good officers who actually protect and serve the community.
I used to live in Sangamon County. Springfield, IL to be exact and yes, the County Sheriff's Dept. in the Land of Lincoln, was horrible at that time. I received some tickets and was even in a holding cell for a few hours at one time for a traffic ticket...I am familiar with the "corn-fed", "good ole boy" racist attitudes that existed at that time. Hopefully, since the reorganization of the Department and her culture has changed. However, it is sad that we have to loose a life before things change.
1st Degree or 2nd Degree, this whole trial was sad and something that never should have happened. Whatever, justice that was left undone, believe me, will be accounted for before the ONE TRUE AND JUST JUDGE of ALL...Our Lord Jesus Christ!
May the Lord BLESS the memory and the family of Ms. Sonya Massey!
Blessed!
References:
FOX 32 Chicago
No comments:
Post a Comment
I've switched to real time comments for most posts. Refresh your screen if you post and do not see it right away. Please send me an email if you try to post a comment and cannot do so. imbkcac@gmail.com. Thanks.