'16 Times More Likely Fatal:' Police Interaction with Mentally Ill Often Turns Out Negatively Share This article A recent study by Johns Hopkins University on gun violence found nearly 1,800 people were shot by law enforcement each year from 2015 to 2020, with more than half being fatal. People with untreated mental illness are especially vulnerable to such encounters. The latest body camera footage of Sonya Massey shows her interacting with police 16 hours before a gunshot ended her life on July 6.
The day before the deadly encounter in her home, Massey's mother Donna called 911 to report that her daughter was having a mental health episode. "When's the last time you took your medicine," a medic asks Massey in the video. "It's written down – last night," Massey responded.
During her call, Donna Massey pleaded with police to not hurt her daughter. The next day Sonya Massey called 911 to report a prowler. Officer Sean Grayson and his partner responded to the call.
After searching outside, the officers entered the home, and the situation escalated. That's when Grayson shot Massey in the head killing her. Grayson faces multiple charges including murder and if convicted faces a sentence of 45 years to life.
Massey's death evokes painful memories and fear among some in the black community. "A lot of people like, 'Oh I feel safe when I'm around the police or it's ok the police are here.' But sometimes for us it's like we never know if we are actually safe," said Drew Thomas, a st.
