The U.S. Justice Department is seeking records on the shooting of an Illinois woman who was killed in her home by a sheriff’s deputy as it investigates how local authorities treat Black residents and people with behavioral disabilities, reports the Associated Press. DOJ made a list of demands in dozens of categories in a letter to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. “The Sheriff’s Office, along with involved county agencies, has engaged in discussions and pledged full cooperation with the Department of Justice in its review,” said Sheriff Paula Crouch.
Sonya Massey, 36, was killed in July when deputies responded to a call about a possible prowler at her home in Springfield. She was shot three times during a confrontation with an officer. Sean Grayson, who is white, was fired. He is charged with murder and other crimes. The Justice Department wants to know if the sheriff’s office has strategies when responding to people in “behavioral health crises,” among other requests. “The incident raises serious concerns about ... interactions with Black people and people with behavioral health disabilities,” the government said.