Deputy Director Kamala Harris called the family of Sonya Massey on Friday, a 36-year-old Black woman who was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in her Illinois home, according to Massey’s relatives who spoke to NBC News.
Massey was killed on July 6 after she called the Sangamon County sheriff’s office because she feared an intruder was outside, an attorney for her family and Illinois State Police said.
Autopsy findings also released Friday confirmed that Massey died of a gunshot wound to the head. The report was released shortly before civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Massey’s family, condemned the killing by former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson as senseless, unnecessary and wanton.
Related: Sonya Massey murder: Family accuses police of attempted cover-up
Harris’ call “made me feel a lot better today,” James Wilburn, Massey’s father, told NBC News. Harris’ office confirmed the communication.
Wilburn added that Harris “expressed her sincere condolences to us and let us know she stands with us 100% in this senseless murder.”
Bodycam footage released Monday shows Grayson and his partner talking to Massey outside her home before going inside, where the situation escalates after Massey removes a pot of water from the stove.
Grayson cursed at Massey and told her, “You better not do that. I swear to God I’m going to shoot you right in the face.” Both officers yelled at Massey to drop the jar before Grayson opened fire, shooting Massey three times.
Grayson was fired and indicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty.
Harris, the presumptive 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, released a statement Tuesday honoring Massey and vowing that “we have much work to do to ensure our justice system lives up to his name” following the release of the body camera footage.
“Sonya Massey deserved to be safe,” Harris said. “After calling police for help, she was tragically murdered in her own home by an officer who swore to protect and serve. Doug and I send strength and prayers to Sonya’s family and friends, and we join them in mourning her senseless death.”
Joe Biden issued a statement saying Massey’s family deserves justice and reiterated his call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a landmark police reform bill named after the Minnesota man killed by a police officer in 2020, sparking nationwide protests.
The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Massey shooting.
