Protest in Fairview Heights over Sonya Massey shooting ends with an arrest

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Calls for justice echoed Tuesday in Fairview Heights, roughly 90 miles from where Sonya Massey was killed by a deputy.

Dozens of protesters shouted through Fairview Heights Tuesday as the Department of Justice is looking into the Springfield, Illinois woman’s death.

Investigators say Massey called 9-1-1 about a possible prowler on July 6, only for an Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy to shoot and kill her inside her own home.

Prosecutors say Massey was killed by former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy, who is white.

“I’m exhausted to have to fight for the same thing over and over again,” said protester Claire Howell. “It’s just really difficult.”

Howell says the pain is persistent because she’s still forced to protest to demand justice in 2024.

Monday, Illinois State Police released the 36-minute body camera footage showing Grayson yelling from across Massey’s counter. Video illustrates he then threatened to shoot her. Not long after, Massey appears to duck, rise briefly and even apologize seconds before Grayson fired his pistol.

Investigators say Grayson fired his gun three times, with a fatal shot to the head.

“What he did was murder, cold-blooded murder, point blank period,” said protest organizer JD Dixon.

Police arrested Dixon following their request for demonstrators to get on the sidewalk.

Howell says Tuesday was an obvious reason why they continue amplifying their voices.

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