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Writer's picturedrevelynhill

Shot by Sheriff Who?

Sonya Massey, 36 years old, died in early July 2024 due to a bullet in her head fired by a former sheriff deputy. Sean Grayson, a 30-year-old white man, felt it was okay to shoot a young black woman in the head for handling a pot of hot water that he brought attention to while standing in her home. The video I saw was devastating. I agree with the response from President Biden, who said the family deserves justice.


She contacted the sheriff's department because she thought she heard a prowler in or near her property. She was calling for help. Ironically, the prowler did her no harm, and the law enforcement agent killed her. Is this a case of death due to cultural differences or bias? Is this a case of white supremacy or lack of care for human life? I would answer this question by saying YES to all of the questions. I wonder why, if the officer felt threatened, he did not shoot her in the leg or even take a warning shot and force her to put the pot of boiling water down.


Did you know that since 2015, over 250 black women have been killed by police officers? Over 100 police officers have participated in a fatal occurrence of violence toward black women. Racism, bias, and murder continue to wreak havoc in neighborhoods of color. In many cases, the murdering officer of the law does not get charged for his crime.


 I was glad to read that Sean Grayson has, at least, been charged for his crime toward Sonya Massey. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He is currently in Manard County Jail without bond.


Do you remember Niani Finlayson, shot multiple times in the back by a sheriff's deputy by the name of Ty Shelton in Lancaster, California? Niani's case was another case in which a woman called 911 for help. Her baby's father was being abusive. The officer sent to help her said she had a large knife and was going to attack the abuser. Oddly, the abuser suffered no harm from the sheriff, but deputies killed the victim.


Why does this keep happening in our community?

Stories like this haunt many urban communities. We are traumatized by the continued deaths of people of color imposed on us by the law enforcement community. The bias training and the other training required by the police department are somehow ineffective for some officers. Many officers are doing a great job of securing and protecting our community. However, there seem always to be those officers who will shoot to kill a person of color instead of protecting them.


I understand that if a citizen has a weapon and poses a threat to the officer, they must defend themselves. However, in too many cases, the officer is not threatened, but they are a threat to the average citizen.


What could be some solutions to this problem?



1. It is vital that we continue the sensitivity training on bias and cultural differences. Law enforcement needs to weed out the officers who do not have the temperament for regular patrol.

2. It would be helpful to take a closer look at an officer's background and how he handles people who are not of his culture.

3. All officers, including officers of color, may need to address issues that could require more clinical observation around post-traumatic stress and other mental challenges.

4. Charge more officers for crimes they commit so fellow officers can see that their crimes will be treated like those of other offenders.

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