Sonya Massey Murder Linked to White Supremacy Gang Initiation?

1
00:00:01,040 --> 00:00:04,680
The tragic cycle repeats itself.
Once more as we bear witness to

2
00:00:04,680 --> 00:00:09,280
a familiar scene, a white man,
Deputy Sean Grayson of the

3
00:00:09,280 --> 00:00:11,120
Sangamon County Sheriff's
Department.

4
00:00:11,560 --> 00:00:14,240
Fueled by.
Hatred and violence taking the

5
00:00:14,240 --> 00:00:19,520
life of yet another black woman.
This time it is Sonia Massey who

6
00:00:19,520 --> 00:00:24,400
falls victim to his prejudice
and bigotry as he raises his arm

7
00:00:24,400 --> 00:00:27,800
adorned with symbols of
oppression and hate, including

8
00:00:27,800 --> 00:00:30,920
grotesque Totenkopf tattoos.
That proudly display his.

9
00:00:30,920 --> 00:00:34,480
Allegiance to white supremacy we
are reminded of.

10
00:00:34,480 --> 00:00:36,760
The harsh reality?
That still surrounds us.

11
00:00:37,960 --> 00:00:40,480
Totenkopf translated to death.
'S head or.

12
00:00:40,480 --> 00:00:44,920
Skull was once used as a symbol
by the Nazi regime and became

13
00:00:44,920 --> 00:00:47,840
synonymous.
With the Schutztofel, S S.

14
00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:50,640
And their horrific actions
during the Holocaust.

15
00:00:52,040 --> 00:00:55,480
Despite this dark history.
The symbol has been resurrected

16
00:00:55,480 --> 00:00:59,720
by neo Nazis and other white
supremacists, continuing its

17
00:00:59,720 --> 00:01:00,960
legacy of.
Bloodshed.

18
00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:05,040
And inhumanity.
Sadly, this symbol is not

19
00:01:05,040 --> 00:01:07,560
uncommon among those who hide
behind their badges in law

20
00:01:07,560 --> 00:01:10,200
enforcement, like Deputy Sean
Grayson.

21
00:01:10,480 --> 00:01:12,040
The race.
Soldier disguised as a

22
00:01:12,040 --> 00:01:14,440
sheriff's.
Deputy who is now facing murder

23
00:01:14,440 --> 00:01:19,240
charges for taking Sonia
Massey's life, His partner also.

24
00:01:19,240 --> 00:01:22,840
Had a tattoo associated.
With white supremacist groups, a

25
00:01:22,840 --> 00:01:26,920
Viking calendar often adopted by
Nazis, it's all just another

26
00:01:26,920 --> 00:01:29,720
manifestation of white supremacy
within our society.

27
00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:33,040
But what many may have missed
while watching the body Cam

28
00:01:33,040 --> 00:01:36,080
footage of these officers
entering Massey's home were

29
00:01:36,080 --> 00:01:38,960
their blatant displays of hate.
Through their tattoos.

30
00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:43,840
While one had a Viking calendar,
Deputy Sean Grayson proudly

31
00:01:43,840 --> 00:01:47,760
displayed Totenkopf skulls on
his arm, a clear association

32
00:01:47,760 --> 00:01:51,080
with Neo Nazis.
In their twisted world,

33
00:01:51,520 --> 00:01:55,720
targeting and harming innocent,
unarmed black individuals is

34
00:01:55,720 --> 00:02:00,480
seen as an initiation into their
ranks, and unfortunately, this

35
00:02:00,480 --> 00:02:03,920
mentality is not only prevalent
but protected within law

36
00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:06,200
enforcement.
Due to its deep seated.

37
00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:10,560
Systemic racism.
The double standard runs deep in

38
00:02:10,560 --> 00:02:14,360
this country when a black person
dares to speak out against

39
00:02:14,360 --> 00:02:17,000
racism and discrimination.
Their words are.

40
00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:19,720
Twisted and labeled.
As hate speech.

41
00:02:20,160 --> 00:02:22,080
Met with swift and harsh
punishment.

42
00:02:22,960 --> 00:02:25,280
Yet.
When it comes to the escalating

43
00:02:25,280 --> 00:02:29,320
violence towards Asian people,
even the most minor altercation

44
00:02:29,320 --> 00:02:33,680
is deemed a hate crime.
Meanwhile, black people are left

45
00:02:33,680 --> 00:02:36,280
to fend for themselves as.
Targets of White.

46
00:02:36,280 --> 00:02:39,120
Supremacy with their attackers
often being.

47
00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:41,080
Hailed as heroes.
Within their own.

48
00:02:41,080 --> 00:02:45,280
Racist circles.
Take the recent murder of Sonia

49
00:02:45,280 --> 00:02:48,160
Massey, for example.
Her brutal killing was

50
00:02:48,160 --> 00:02:50,720
celebrated by white supremacists
as a.

51
00:02:50,720 --> 00:02:53,600
Rite of passage.
A way to climb the ranks within

52
00:02:53,600 --> 00:02:56,480
their.
Sick ideology, these race

53
00:02:56,480 --> 00:02:58,440
soldiers.
Commit these atrocities with the

54
00:02:58,440 --> 00:03:01,360
knowledge that they will likely
not face consequences from

55
00:03:01,360 --> 00:03:03,720
their.
Fellow officers who are also.

56
00:03:03,720 --> 00:03:07,960
Deeply ingrained in these white
supremacist beliefs, our tax

57
00:03:07,960 --> 00:03:11,240
dollars continue to fund these
murderous gangs disguised as law

58
00:03:11,240 --> 00:03:14,480
enforcement while innocent black
lives are taken without

59
00:03:14,480 --> 00:03:18,080
consequence.
But make no mistake, these

60
00:03:18,080 --> 00:03:21,120
killers do not act alone.
They strategically.

61
00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:23,080
Plan and.
Execute their attacks.

62
00:03:23,360 --> 00:03:26,680
Knowing exactly where and when
to strike without drawing

63
00:03:26,680 --> 00:03:30,760
attention from other units.
Or authorities, this is because.

64
00:03:30,760 --> 00:03:33,040
They have infiltrated law
enforcement at every.

65
00:03:33,040 --> 00:03:35,360
Level.
Turning those sworn to protect

66
00:03:35,360 --> 00:03:37,800
us into accomplices in our own
deaths.

67
00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:41,360
It's a horrifying truth that we
cannot ignore any longer.

68
00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:45,520
We must demand change before
more innocent lives are lost at

69
00:03:45,520 --> 00:03:46,840
the hands of those.
Tasked.

70
00:03:46,840 --> 00:03:52,480
With keeping us safe this is
America's legacy, a country

71
00:03:52,480 --> 00:03:56,160
built on white supremacy and
maintained by law enforcement

72
00:03:56,360 --> 00:03:58,720
embedded with its.
Destructive ideologies.

73
00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:03,040
Until we acknowledge and
dismantle these foundations, we

74
00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:05,640
can only expect more bloodshed
and injustice.

75
00:04:06,160 --> 00:04:08,720
But the time for playing with.
This reality is over.

76
00:04:09,200 --> 00:04:11,240
We must take action now before
it's.

77
00:04:11,240 --> 00:04:17,000
Too late.
Welcome to No Tears for Black

78
00:04:17,000 --> 00:04:20,760
Girls, Sonia Massey.
A 36.

79
00:04:20,760 --> 00:04:24,280
Year old black woman from
Springfield, IL was in fear for

80
00:04:24,280 --> 00:04:27,160
her life when she did what?
Society has taught her to do

81
00:04:27,800 --> 00:04:32,040
call the police.
In the early hours of July 6th,

82
00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:35,760
2024.
Massey, an unarmed mother and

83
00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:39,400
paranoid schizophrenic, called
911 to report a potential

84
00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:42,320
intruder near her home.
Two sheriff's.

85
00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:46,080
Deputies responded to the call
at around 12:50 AM and what

86
00:04:46,080 --> 00:04:48,320
happened next can only be
described.

87
00:04:48,320 --> 00:04:50,040
As chaotic.
And violent.

88
00:04:50,880 --> 00:04:54,440
According to court documents,
Massey was calm but unwell when

89
00:04:54,440 --> 00:04:58,440
the two deputies, one of them
being Sean Grayson, an ex Army

90
00:04:58,440 --> 00:05:01,360
veteran with a history of
changing law enforcement jobs.

91
00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:05,680
Arrived at her doorstep.
However, things quickly took a

92
00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:07,680
turn for the worst once they
entered her home.

93
00:05:09,240 --> 00:05:13,040
Massey's daughter, who witnessed
the events unfold, revealed that

94
00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:16,480
Grayson aggressively confronted
her mother while she was boiling

95
00:05:16,480 --> 00:05:19,760
water in the kitchen.
Despite knowing about Massey's

96
00:05:19,760 --> 00:05:23,680
condition, Grayson proceeded to
scream and brandish his firearm,

97
00:05:23,920 --> 00:05:28,000
threatening to shoot her in the
face in a body camera, video

98
00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:29,040
released.
To the public.

99
00:05:29,600 --> 00:05:32,600
Grayson can be heard shouting
profanities and making

100
00:05:32,600 --> 00:05:36,120
derogatory remarks towards
Massey as she attempted to seek

101
00:05:36,120 --> 00:05:39,720
cover.
Eventually, he shot her point

102
00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:41,120
blank in the face.
While.

103
00:05:41,120 --> 00:05:43,160
She had her hands up and
surrendered.

104
00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:46,800
The father of Sonia Massey.
Speaks out.

105
00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:49,480
After viewing the disturbing
body Cam footage of his

106
00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:53,280
daughter's fatal encounter.
With a sheriff's deputy, he

107
00:05:53,280 --> 00:05:55,840
describes the footage as.
Horrible and heart wrenching,

108
00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:57,920
but also acknowledges.
That without it.

109
00:05:58,240 --> 00:06:00,520
They may have never known what
truly happened to her.

110
00:06:02,160 --> 00:06:04,400
The family was under the
impression that Sonya had been

111
00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:07,360
killed by an intruder.
But the footage revealed that it

112
00:06:07,360 --> 00:06:09,320
was a police.
Shooting in the.

113
00:06:09,320 --> 00:06:12,240
Video we see.
Two deputies arriving at Sonya's

114
00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:16,240
home only to be met with her
telling them she rebukes them in

115
00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:20,440
the name of Jesus.
What happens next is shocking.

116
00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:24,480
One of the deputies threatens
her and then fatally shoots her

117
00:06:24,680 --> 00:06:28,920
after she attempts to remove a
pot from the stove when asked.

118
00:06:28,920 --> 00:06:31,640
About her words.
I rebuke you in the name of

119
00:06:31,720 --> 00:06:34,320
Jesus.
Her father believes she feared

120
00:06:34,320 --> 00:06:36,280
for her life.
And had some sort of

121
00:06:36,280 --> 00:06:39,240
premonition.
This tragedy has left.

122
00:06:39,240 --> 00:06:42,200
Behind two children and a
grieving family who are

123
00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:45,840
struggling day by day.
After the footage was released.

124
00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:49,480
President Joe Biden condemned
Sonia's killing and applauded

125
00:06:49,480 --> 00:06:51,120
the decision to.
Charge the deputy.

126
00:06:51,120 --> 00:06:55,000
With murder against a backdrop
of racial injustice and police

127
00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:59,240
brutality, Sonia's tragic death
at the hands of an officer has.

128
00:06:59,240 --> 00:07:01,720
Sparked outrage.
And calls for change.

129
00:07:02,520 --> 00:07:06,520
In a statement, President Biden
expressed his condolences and

130
00:07:06,520 --> 00:07:08,720
urged Congress to pass.
The George Floyd.

131
00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:12,840
Justice in Policing act the
family's lawyer, Ben Crump.

132
00:07:13,280 --> 00:07:15,960
Pledged to fight for justice.
As they navigate.

133
00:07:15,960 --> 00:07:19,320
Through a.
Flawed justice system Meanwhile,

134
00:07:19,760 --> 00:07:24,000
the officer responsible is
facing serious charges and being

135
00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:29,000
held without bond.
As the case unfolds, let us

136
00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:31,280
remember Sonia and all those who
have.

137
00:07:31,280 --> 00:07:34,320
Lost their lives.
Due to systemic racism and

138
00:07:34,320 --> 00:07:38,440
demand accountability for those
in positions of power, the

139
00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:40,800
official statement from the
Sheriff's Office claims that.

140
00:07:40,800 --> 00:07:43,640
Shots were fired.
During a struggle resulting in

141
00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:47,760
Massey being fatally wounded but
damning evidence from court

142
00:07:47,760 --> 00:07:49,480
documents lays.
Bear the truth.

143
00:07:50,320 --> 00:07:54,000
Grayson intentionally withheld
medical aid for Massey and even

144
00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:56,000
discouraged colleagues from
helping her.

145
00:07:56,960 --> 00:08:00,800
Grayson, a former deputy who now
stands charged with the murder

146
00:08:00,800 --> 00:08:04,320
of Sonia Massey, was not
dishonorably discharged from the

147
00:08:04,520 --> 00:08:08,960
US Army.
However, his DD Form 214 tells a

148
00:08:08,960 --> 00:08:12,560
very different story, one of
serious misconduct that led to

149
00:08:12,560 --> 00:08:15,080
his early removal before his
term of service was up,

150
00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:19,640
according to Anthony Guillotto,
a former Air Force prosecutor

151
00:08:19,640 --> 00:08:22,200
now teaching law at the
University of Illinois.

152
00:08:22,680 --> 00:08:25,800
This type of discharge usually.
Suggests a misdemeanor offense

153
00:08:25,800 --> 00:08:29,160
in civilian life and rarely
results in a court martial.

154
00:08:30,400 --> 00:08:32,799
Yet Grayson's defense attorney,
Daniel Fultz.

155
00:08:33,039 --> 00:08:35,000
Has refused to address the
specifics.

156
00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:38,520
Of his army discharge instead
claiming an honorable discharge

157
00:08:38,520 --> 00:08:39,600
after.
Three years.

158
00:08:40,520 --> 00:08:44,039
Yet again, official
documentation paints a vastly

159
00:08:44,039 --> 00:08:47,960
different picture.
This general discharge, granted

160
00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:51,080
under honorable conditions,
serves as a warning to any

161
00:08:51,080 --> 00:08:54,320
future employer.
And while this may be concerning

162
00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:58,440
on its own, Guyato argues.
That the real red flag lies.

163
00:08:58,440 --> 00:09:02,520
In the unspoken details of
Grayson's misconduct, the Kansas

164
00:09:02,520 --> 00:09:06,000
Bureau of Investigation confirms
that Grayson has no prior

165
00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:08,000
convictions in the state.
Where he served.

166
00:09:08,320 --> 00:09:09,960
And was discharged from the
army.

167
00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:14,200
However, their records fail to.
Reflect the troubling actions

168
00:09:14,200 --> 00:09:16,440
that ultimately led to Massey.
'S tragic death.

169
00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:21,320
Casting doubt on Grayson's true
intentions after being indicted

170
00:09:21,320 --> 00:09:25,400
by a grand jury for first degree
murder, Grayson was subsequently

171
00:09:25,400 --> 00:09:28,200
removed from his position at the
Sangamon County.

172
00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:31,640
Sheriff's Office despite.
Pleas from Massey.

173
00:09:31,640 --> 00:09:33,640
'S father for.
Justice and Reform.

174
00:09:34,080 --> 00:09:36,880
Grayson was denied pretrial
release on bond.

175
00:09:37,840 --> 00:09:41,120
Unfortunately, this is yet
another harrowing example of

176
00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:44,800
police brutality and systemic
flaws within our justice system.

177
00:09:45,720 --> 00:09:49,520
It serves as a damning reminder
that Black lives continue to be

178
00:09:49,520 --> 00:09:53,160
undervalued and endangered by
those sworn to protect them.

179
00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:58,040
We must demand accountability
and tangible reforms from those

180
00:09:58,040 --> 00:10:00,200
in positions of power.
For the sake.

181
00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:02,840
Of all victims like Sonia
Massey, who deserve.

182
00:10:02,840 --> 00:10:07,520
To live without fear of.
Violence or injustice Recent

183
00:10:07,520 --> 00:10:10,080
revelations have uncovered that
Prior to joining law

184
00:10:10,080 --> 00:10:13,560
enforcement, Sean Grayson was
discharged from the Army for

185
00:10:13,560 --> 00:10:16,400
serious misconduct.
Military.

186
00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:18,000
Records reveal that he served as
a.

187
00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:22,440
Wheeled vehicle mechanic at Fort
Riley until 2016 when he was let

188
00:10:22,440 --> 00:10:23,520
go.
For a serious.

189
00:10:23,520 --> 00:10:26,920
Offense while specific.
Details are restricted.

190
00:10:26,920 --> 00:10:30,240
Under Department of Defense
policies, it can be assumed that

191
00:10:30,240 --> 00:10:33,120
Grayson's actions were
equivalent to a civilian offense

192
00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:35,960
punishable by at least one year
of imprisonment.

193
00:10:36,880 --> 00:10:39,000
This raises.
Questions about whether Grayson

194
00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:41,560
has a.
History of arrests or charges

195
00:10:41,560 --> 00:10:45,040
that were later dropped.
Sent to diversion programs or

196
00:10:45,040 --> 00:10:50,120
resulted in no conviction, The
lack of transparency only adds

197
00:10:50,120 --> 00:10:52,680
to the growing concerns
surrounding Massey's tragic

198
00:10:52,680 --> 00:10:55,720
death and the urgent need for
accountability within our

199
00:10:55,720 --> 00:10:59,240
justice system.
The connections between law

200
00:10:59,240 --> 00:11:02,320
enforcement and former
servicemen Sean Grayson were

201
00:11:02,320 --> 00:11:05,480
discovered by Invisible
Institute, Illinois Public Media

202
00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:07,880
and the Investigative Reporting
Workshop.

203
00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:12,600
After extensive investigations,
these agencies contacted local

204
00:11:12,600 --> 00:11:14,240
authorities near Fort.
Riley.

205
00:11:14,440 --> 00:11:18,240
Where Grayson served in an
attempt to uncover any past

206
00:11:18,240 --> 00:11:21,880
interactions with him, the
response was far from

207
00:11:21,880 --> 00:11:24,520
satisfactory.
The records show.

208
00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:27,880
That the Riley County Police
Department had only encountered

209
00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:31,640
Grayson once, in 2015, when he
collided with a.

210
00:11:31,640 --> 00:11:33,520
Deer.
While driving his truck.

211
00:11:34,440 --> 00:11:36,560
However.
The Geary County Sheriff's

212
00:11:36,560 --> 00:11:39,800
Office adamantly refused to
search for any previous

213
00:11:39,800 --> 00:11:42,360
interactions with Grayson,
claiming it would be.

214
00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:45,160
Illegal.
The Junction City Police

215
00:11:45,160 --> 00:11:48,480
Department also claimed no
records of encounter existed,

216
00:11:49,320 --> 00:11:51,480
but now new.
Details have surfaced.

217
00:11:51,480 --> 00:11:55,720
Surrounding the tragic events of
July 6th, when Massey, a black

218
00:11:55,720 --> 00:11:57,080
woman.
Was fatally.

219
00:11:57,080 --> 00:12:00,200
Shot by Grayson after calling
for help from the Sangamon

220
00:12:00,200 --> 00:12:04,520
County Sheriff's Department,
body camera footage revealed

221
00:12:04,520 --> 00:12:07,200
that not only did Grayson shoot
Massey three times.

222
00:12:07,200 --> 00:12:09,800
Without just cause, but also
discouraged.

223
00:12:09,800 --> 00:12:13,720
His fellow deputy from providing
immediate medical aid in

224
00:12:13,720 --> 00:12:16,000
response to this blatant.
Abuse of power.

225
00:12:16,360 --> 00:12:19,840
Both President Joe Biden and
Vice President Kamala Harris.

226
00:12:20,160 --> 00:12:22,200
Have called for further.
Police reform.

227
00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:26,160
Meanwhile, Grayson has been
charged with first degree

228
00:12:26,160 --> 00:12:28,200
murder, aggravated.
Battery with a.

229
00:12:28,200 --> 00:12:32,320
Firearm an official misconduct
and is currently being held

230
00:12:32,320 --> 00:12:34,440
without bail at Menard County
Jail.

231
00:12:36,080 --> 00:12:39,600
Following his arrest, former
Deputy Shawn Grayson was fired

232
00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:41,720
by Sangamon County.
Sheriff's Office.

233
00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:45,320
In a statement released by
Sheriff Jack Campbell, it was

234
00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:48,320
made clear that Grayson's
actions do not align with the

235
00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:50,400
values or training of their
department.

236
00:12:52,120 --> 00:12:55,680
Sonia Massey's life was unjustly
taken due to an irresponsible

237
00:12:55,680 --> 00:12:59,040
decision by former Deputy Shawn
Grayson, wrote Campbell.

238
00:12:59,840 --> 00:13:02,640
It has also been revealed that
there were alternative options

239
00:13:02,640 --> 00:13:05,360
available to Grayson which he.
Failed to utilize.

240
00:13:05,360 --> 00:13:07,160
Before resorting to deadly
force.

241
00:13:08,560 --> 00:13:11,440
Furthermore, it has been
confirmed that Grayson's

242
00:13:11,440 --> 00:13:15,040
discharge from the military was
not honorable, despite initial

243
00:13:15,040 --> 00:13:18,480
reports claiming otherwise,
according to University of

244
00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:20,280
Illinois law.
Professor Giotto.

245
00:13:20,720 --> 00:13:24,520
Grayson's official form listed
his service as under Honorable

246
00:13:24,520 --> 00:13:28,840
conditions General, a confusing
term for those unfamiliar with

247
00:13:28,840 --> 00:13:32,840
military jargon.
In reality, Grayson was

248
00:13:32,840 --> 00:13:34,480
involuntarily.
Discharged.

249
00:13:35,880 --> 00:13:38,680
Campbell concluded his statement
by acknowledging that they were.

250
00:13:38,680 --> 00:13:40,200
Aware.
Of Grayson's history of

251
00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:42,760
misconduct, including a D.
UI.

252
00:13:43,040 --> 00:13:45,840
At the time of his hire.
This raises the.

253
00:13:45,840 --> 00:13:48,520
Question.
Why was he ever given a badge

254
00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:52,240
and a gun in the first place?
These are the difficult.

255
00:13:52,240 --> 00:13:54,200
Truths we must confront and
address.

256
00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:57,200
If we are to.
Truly reform our flawed system.

257
00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:02,160
The sheriff's understanding
seemed to hinge on a letter of

258
00:14:02,160 --> 00:14:05,560
recommendation from Grayson's
former commander in the Army.

259
00:14:06,640 --> 00:14:09,960
In this letter, Ray Benakin
wrote that aside from Grayson's

260
00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:13,160
DUI, there were no other issues
during his service.

261
00:14:13,680 --> 00:14:15,920
However.
Further investigation has

262
00:14:15,920 --> 00:14:17,880
revealed that Grayson had not
one.

263
00:14:18,160 --> 00:14:21,120
But two DUI.
Convictions in macoupin county

264
00:14:21,400 --> 00:14:26,200
in 2015 and 2016 while the
Sangamon County Sheriff's

265
00:14:26,200 --> 00:14:29,040
Department claims to have been
aware of these incidents, they.

266
00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:30,400
Still chose to.
Hire him.

267
00:14:31,160 --> 00:14:33,880
Professor Giotto argues.
That a misdemeanor DUI

268
00:14:33,880 --> 00:14:36,440
conviction would hardly.
Justify such serious.

269
00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:38,240
Misconduct findings from the
Army.

270
00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:40,720
One of these.
DU is occurred.

271
00:14:40,720 --> 00:14:43,920
While Grayson was still serving
with the other taking place.

272
00:14:43,920 --> 00:14:48,400
After his discharge, the public
is outraged over this issue.

273
00:14:48,920 --> 00:14:51,440
Prompting an online petition
calling for Campbell's

274
00:14:51,440 --> 00:14:54,600
resignation, which has gained
thousands of signatures.

275
00:14:55,920 --> 00:14:57,360
Massey's.
Father has also.

276
00:14:57,360 --> 00:15:01,840
Spoken out against Campbell,
demanding he stepped down civil

277
00:15:01,840 --> 00:15:05,280
rights attorney Ben Crump, who
represents Massey's family.

278
00:15:05,560 --> 00:15:07,840
Expressed shock at.
Grayson being hired.

279
00:15:08,040 --> 00:15:11,120
Despite a history of.
Significant misconduct while in

280
00:15:11,120 --> 00:15:14,760
the Army.
He raises valid concerns about

281
00:15:14,760 --> 00:15:17,400
what else may have been
overlooked in the hiring process

282
00:15:17,400 --> 00:15:21,880
at the Sheriff's Department.
When examining the disturbing

283
00:15:21,880 --> 00:15:24,840
video footage alongside
Grayson's employment history,

284
00:15:25,320 --> 00:15:28,280
spanning 6 different law
enforcement agencies in just

285
00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:31,600
four years, it becomes clear
that there were numerous red.

286
00:15:31,600 --> 00:15:35,360
Flags.
According to records, Grayson

287
00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:37,920
has served in six different
police departments across

288
00:15:37,920 --> 00:15:43,000
Central Illinois since 2020.
It all began when Pawnee Police

289
00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:45,800
Department hired him part time.
Although they have.

290
00:15:45,800 --> 00:15:47,760
Yet to respond to inquiries for
comment.

291
00:15:48,680 --> 00:15:52,000
After a short stint at Pawnee
PD, he was also employed by

292
00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:55,120
Kincaid Police Department on a
part time basis.

293
00:15:56,520 --> 00:15:59,840
Chief DJ Mathon reveals that
Grayson was terminated from his

294
00:15:59,840 --> 00:16:02,680
position.
Due to his refusal to comply

295
00:16:02,680 --> 00:16:05,400
with the villages.
Requirement of living within a

296
00:16:05,400 --> 00:16:08,160
10.
Mile radius, however.

297
00:16:08,440 --> 00:16:11,400
There were no complaints or
disciplinary actions filed

298
00:16:11,400 --> 00:16:13,000
against him during his time
there.

299
00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:17,120
Board of Trustees member Mike
Lawrence watched the video of

300
00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:20,600
Grayson taking the life of
Massey and was appalled, though

301
00:16:20,600 --> 00:16:23,840
not surprised.
He recalls Grayson as an

302
00:16:23,840 --> 00:16:28,040
arrogant and reckless individual
during his tenure at Kincaid PD.

303
00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:32,160
Following this, Grayson moved on
to Verdun Police Department.

304
00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:34,240
Where he worked.
For seven months, with no

305
00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:37,360
official complaints or
disciplinary actions on record,

306
00:16:38,320 --> 00:16:41,560
the department claims to have no
documentation of any background

307
00:16:41,560 --> 00:16:44,000
investigations conducted.
Prior to his.

308
00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:48,040
Hiring.
Dispatch Supervisor David.

309
00:16:48,040 --> 00:16:50,720
Bounds reports that Grayson
simply stopped showing up for

310
00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:53,520
shifts without giving notice of
resignation.

311
00:16:54,720 --> 00:16:57,280
It was later discovered that he
had accepted a full.

312
00:16:57,280 --> 00:16:59,480
Time position with Auburn Police
Department.

313
00:17:00,640 --> 00:17:03,640
To this day.
Burden PD has no disciplinary

314
00:17:03,640 --> 00:17:09,480
actions against Grayson recorded
In July of 2021, Grayson joined

315
00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:13,000
Auburn Police Department.
As a fresh faced recruit, eager

316
00:17:13,000 --> 00:17:14,280
to.
Serve and protect.

317
00:17:15,040 --> 00:17:18,880
He remained there until May of
2022, when he received an offer

318
00:17:18,880 --> 00:17:21,720
from Logan County Sheriff's
Office that he could not refuse.

319
00:17:23,040 --> 00:17:26,079
When asked for comment on his
sudden departure, Auburn

320
00:17:26,079 --> 00:17:30,880
Department chose not to respond.
However, public records revealed

321
00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:33,440
the truth.
Grayson had resigned from Auburn

322
00:17:33,440 --> 00:17:37,840
effective May 1st, 2022 in order
to take up a full time position

323
00:17:37,840 --> 00:17:40,920
at Logan County.
Among these records was a

324
00:17:40,920 --> 00:17:45,520
familiar document the federal DD
formed, 214, detailing Grayson's

325
00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:48,920
dishonorable discharge from the
Army for serious misconduct.

326
00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:53,600
Andrew Jarmer, the city
attorney, brushed off any

327
00:17:53,600 --> 00:17:55,320
concerns.
About this discovery.

328
00:17:56,040 --> 00:17:59,520
He claimed to have no knowledge
of it during that time, but as

329
00:17:59,520 --> 00:18:03,080
it turns out, in his application
for employment at Auburn,

330
00:18:03,480 --> 00:18:06,200
Grayson proudly claimed to be a
veteran of the Army,

331
00:18:06,920 --> 00:18:09,400
conveniently omitting any
mention of his less than

332
00:18:09,400 --> 00:18:12,200
honorable discharge.
And when pressed.

333
00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:14,160
About the details of said
discharge.

334
00:18:14,560 --> 00:18:16,480
He simply responded with one
word.

335
00:18:17,280 --> 00:18:21,160
Honorable.
After his short stand at Auburn,

336
00:18:21,360 --> 00:18:24,120
Grayson went on to work for
Logan County and eventually

337
00:18:24,120 --> 00:18:28,280
landed a position as a deputy at
Sangamon County in May 2023.

338
00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:31,840
The Logan County Sheriff's
Office also remained tight

339
00:18:31,840 --> 00:18:34,640
lipped when faced with inquiries
and requests under the Freedom

340
00:18:34,640 --> 00:18:37,840
of Information Act.
Retired police Sergeant.

341
00:18:37,840 --> 00:18:40,960
Ghiotto expressed deep.
Concern over these revelations,

342
00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:44,280
stating that any responsible
department would think twice

343
00:18:44,280 --> 00:18:46,760
before hiring someone who had
been discharged from the

344
00:18:46,760 --> 00:18:53,040
military for serious misconduct.
And yet somehow Grayson was able

345
00:18:53,040 --> 00:18:56,600
to continue his career in law
enforcement without facing any

346
00:18:56,600 --> 00:19:01,040
consequences or repercussions.
A blatant reflection of our

347
00:19:01,040 --> 00:19:04,000
flawed system, and it's.
Skewed priorities.

348
00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:08,480
Thank you for tuning in to NO.
Tears for black girls This

349
00:19:08,480 --> 00:19:11,160
series is skillfully.
Crafted by acclaimed writer and

350
00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:13,360
producer Jon.
Reedberg with the.

351
00:19:13,360 --> 00:19:16,320
Guidance of unapologetic host
Samantha Paul.

352
00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:20,240
Catch new episodes every Tuesday
and Thursday on all major

353
00:19:20,240 --> 00:19:24,040
podcast platforms.
You can listen anywhere, anytime

354
00:19:24,760 --> 00:19:26,480
and if you truly enjoy our
content.

355
00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:29,280
Please leave A5.
Star rating and positive review

356
00:19:29,960 --> 00:19:32,120
Remember to stay.
Loved, stay blessed.

357
00:19:32,480 --> 00:19:33,320
And stay safe.