POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING: DEATH OF SONYA MASSEY

Update:

The confusion over what happened spread beyond just the dispatch phone lines. Massey’s family also couldn’t get straight answers.

Jimmie Crawford Jr., the father of Massey’s daughter, also said when he arrived on the scene, officers did not tell him it was a deputy-involved shooting either.

“When I got to the scene, the officer notified me that it was under investigation,” Crawford said. “(He said) We knew she had problems with her neighbor. Not once was I told that the officer did it. They tried to make me believe that it was a neighbor or somebody who did it.”

WHO WAS SONYA MASSEY:

Sonya Massey was a 36-year-old woman who was tragically shot and killed by a Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy, Sean Grayson, inside her home on July 6, 2024. Massey had called 911 to report suspicious activity near her residence, which led to the deputies' arrival.

The incident occurred when Deputy Grayson, allegedly without proper justification, shot Massey in the face after she had raised her hands and apologized while trying to avoid the boiling water she was holding. 

SONYA MASSEY MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES:

Sonya Massey had undergone treatment for mental health issues before the incident in which she was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy in her home. During the encounter with the deputies, it is suggested that she invoked religious language and exhibited signs of confusion, which led to her referencing God and asking for her Bible. These actions, along with her statement "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," suggest she might have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time, this is according to reports.

Following the incident, Deputy Grayson was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. The charges stem from the findings that Grayson’s use of deadly force was not justified and that he failed to provide immediate aid to Massey after the shooting.

Massey's family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has filed a lawsuit seeking justice for her death. They are demanding accountability and transparency in the legal proceedings. The case has sparked significant community outrage and support for the Massey family, with peaceful protests and increased police presence to ensure community safety.

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter:

"Sonya Massey’s murder is a tragedy that reverberates in multiple dimensions. We are powerless to right this wrong. But we can seek justice for the victim and for the community. I have the highest degree of confidence that Sheriff Jack Campbell and State’s Attorney John Milhiser will do their utmost to achieve the community’s collective will that justice be done.

We must not let the tragic decision of one individual besmirch our highly trained and dedicated law enforcement officers. We must redouble our efforts to guard against the recurrence of such a tragedy."

Trump Suspected Attacker Identified: 20 Year Old, Thomas Matthew Crooks

SUSPECT IN THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, a young local guy who stunned the country by shooting at Donald Trump during a campaign rally, the little Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park in Pennsylvania is in crisis.

Equipped with an AR-style rifle, Crooks allegedly opened fire at the former president when he was speaking to a gathering in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one audience member and seriously wounding two others.

Officials stated a Secret Service sniper shot dead the 20-year-old kitchen worker on the scene. But in his tranquil, well-to-do neighborhood, neighbors are in disbelief, apparently unable to understand how a quiet young man is now charged in the shooting.

For their part, the FBI has stated only that Crooks was the "subject involved in the murder attempt on the former president" and that an active investigation was underway.

WHO IS THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS?

Thomas Crooks was not carrying identification, so authorities utilized DNA to identify him, according to the FBI. He was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, around 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the attempted assassination site, and graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, receiving a $500 math and science prize, according to a local newspaper. Crooks worked at a local nursing home kitchen, just a short distance from his home, according to the BBC.

According to US media, state voting records reveal he was a registered Republican. He is also said to have contributed $15 to the liberal political group ActBlue in 2021. According to US media accounts, Crooks was dressed in a t-shirt from Demolition Ranch, a YouTube channel known for its gun and demolition content. The channel has millions of subscribers and features videos about various guns and explosive devices. The Associated Press, law enforcement officials believe Crook's father purchased the handgun used to kill Donald Trump.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, two cops informed the Associated Press that Crooks' father purchased a handgun at least six months ago.

The day after the shooting, it was reported that Crooks' truck contained suspicious devices, the suspect possessed commercially accessible equipment that appeared capable of activating the devices. Bomb technicians were dispatched to the scene to secure and examine the devices.

Speaking to local news outlet KDKA, some young locals who went to school with him described him as a loner, who was frequently bullied and sometimes wore "hunting outfits to school".

Another former classmate of his, Summer Barkley, cast him differently, telling the BBC that he was "always getting good grades on tests" and was "very passionate about history".

"Anything on government and history he seemed to know about," he said. "But it was nothing out of the ordinary....he was always nice."

Others simply remembered him as quiet.

"He was there but I can't think of anyone who knew him well," one former classmate, who asked to remain nameless, told the BBC. "He's just not a guy I really think about, but he seemed fine."

Jameson Myers, a former member of the Bethel Park High School varsity rifle team who graduated with Crooks in 2022, told CBS he did not make the team.

"He did not even make the junior varsity team after trying out," Mr. Myers said. "He never returned to tryouts for the remainder of high school."

Mr. Myers describes Crooks as a "normal boy" who was "not particularly popular but never got picked on or anything."

"He was a nice kid who never talked poorly of anyone and I never have thought him capable of anything I've seen him do in the last few days."

Other community residents simply expressed disbelief that the alleged shooter could have come from Bethel Park's peaceful, leafy streets.

Among them was Jason Mackey, a 27-year-old resident who lives near the Crooks' home and formerly worked at the school.

While Mr Mackey denied knowing Crooks personally, he is still in shock.

"It's very shocking. "You wouldn't expect an event of this magnitude to occur in your own backyard," he remarked. "It's just a crazy situation."

THE WHY? 

After establishing Crooks' identity, police and authorities are looking into his motivation.

"We do not currently have an identified motive," said Kevin Rojek, the FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, during a briefing on Saturday night.

Mr Rojek stated that the investigation into what happened could take months and that detectives would work "tirelessly" to determine Crooks' motivation. Crooks' father, Matthew Crooks, told CNN that he was trying to figure out "what the hell is going on" but would "wait until I talk to law enforcement" before commenting on his son.

According to CBS News, police have blocked off the road leading to Crooks' home with his parents. A neighbor told CBS that authorities evacuated her in the middle of the night without notice.

Bethel Park Police, a bomb investigation is ongoing near Crooks' home. Access to the region is still closely limited, with police cars blocking the roadways. Only residents have been permitted in and out.

Law enforcement officials informed the news that they believed there was some planning before the shooting. However, the exact amount of time spent on such planning is still being investigated. Police believe he acted alone, but are still investigating if he was accompanied to the rally.

💐😔 John Witherspoon: Celebration of Life! ⏳

John Witherspoon: LAID TO REST!

The life of John Witherspoon was celebrated this past week as his family and friends many of who were celebrities; gathered in Hollywood Hills to bid Him farewell. His best friend of many years, David Letterman who is also the godfather of his eldest son, delivered the opening monologue.  He and Letterman built their comedy career together at The Comedy Store in Hollywood alongside other comedic greats; Robin Williams, Richard Pryor and Jay Leno.

Ice Cube delivered a heart-warming and incredible tribute to his life-long friend and colleague saying: “I enjoyed the hell out of John” he described Witherspoon as “one of the funniest people I know.” 

“Laughter is the medicine for our mind, body, and soul,” the actor and rapper said. “It helps us get through this crazy world, and God bless the ones that make us laugh. John was naturally funny. No matter how bad a script was, [there] was nothing you could do to harness John’s funny. It was going to come through. He was going to turn it into magic and that was his true gift.”

Angela Gibbs also delivered a speech, saying Witherspoon, “will be loved and he will be remembered for a long long time.”

Marlon Wayans also couldn’t attend the celebration and took to Instagram to share how devastated he was to miss it.

View this post on Instagram

Can’t make your send off Pops... I’m broken up about it. Unfortunately, have to work. I know you would tell me “mahlon, go get that PAPER! You better go get them keys 🔑 see... you got a comedy key, a sitcom key 🔑 a movie key 🔑 , a stand up key 🔑... now go get that drama key 🔑 now you gonna unlock 🔐 all that PAPER”. I’ll always hear you. I’m glad every time we said goodbye it was always with a fatherly hug and kiss. So that’s the goodbye I’ll leave it with. #ripPOPS @johnnywitherspoon playing some Johnny Mathis “chances are” in your honour

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) on Nov 4, 2019 at 3:21pm PST

Witherspoon played the father of Wayans and his brother, Shawn Wayans, in the popular sitcom The Wayans Bros. Wayans wrote, “Can’t make your send-off Pops… I’m broken up about it,” he captioned a photo of the two. “Unfortunately, have to work. I know you would tell me ‘Mahlon, go get that PAPER!”

Witherspoon’s family announced his sudden death in his Sherman Oaks home after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the 29th of October. He was 77.

Preparations underway for John Witherspoon funeral @ForestLawn this afternoon. David Letterman is giving the opening monologue - he was close to John and godfather to John's son John David. @NBCLA is the only local station allowed at the ceremony. We have Live coverage today @4pm pic.twitter.com/5zzGvev7Bs

— Armando Aparicio (@armandapari) November 5, 2019

😞😔 How did Actor & Comedian John "POPS" Witherspoon die? #Friday #NextFriday #JohnWitherspoon #RIP 🎥📽🎞 "Last Friday" FINAL Sequel Coming?

Actor and Comedian John "Pops" Witherspoon, died suddenly at his home yesterday; Tuesday Oct. 29th, 2019. His eldest son confirmed in a retweet of the sad and unfortunate news. He was 77.

Condolences poured in from fellow comedians David Alan Grier, Marlon Wayans, Regina King and many other others expressing their deep sadness of his passing. 

In 1988, Witherspoon married Angela Robinson. They have two children, John David ("J.D.") and Alexander J.D. is known for making skits and gameplay videos on YouTube. David Letterman is the godfather to Witherspoon's two sons.

Pictured with his sons David,12, and Alexander Witherspoon,
and his wife Angela Witherspoon 

Witherspoon was best known for his hilarious and iconic role as Willie Jones in 'Friday'. He also appeared in the sequels 'Next Friday' and 'Friday After Next', co-written by his co-star Ice Cube. 

I’m devastated over the passing of John Witherspoon. Life won’t be as funny without him. - ICE CUBE

The talented, hardworking Witherspoon was born in Detroit on January 27th, 1942. He launched his career as a stand-up comedian and began acting only landing guest roles in the late 1970's, he finally made his featured debut in the 1980  film 'The Jazz Singer'. Witherspoon appeared in numerous other films, including: The Ladies Man, Soul Plane, Vampire in Brooklyn, Hollywood Shuffle and more!

My dad, my grandpa, my comedic inspiration! I love you Spoons! Rest In Paradise, King - Regina King (Actress)

Witherspoon also voiced Gramps on the cult animated series The Boondocks. Also known for his role as Pops on The Wayans Bros., Witherspoon did stints on such comedy series as The Tracy Morgan Show, The First Family and Black Jesus.

Up to Witherspoon’s death when not acting, he still performed stand-up comedy and had dates and plans set for upcoming shows. Even more sad, it is said that there was also plans of him starring in the final sequel "Last Friday". 


Ice Cube Sets Goal For 'Last Friday' Release Date. Ice Cube confirmed that production for the last installment of the Friday franchise was happening.Cube said he hopes to drop the last flick on the original film's 25th anniversary, which would be April 26, 2020.  👏🏾

I'm sure the movie will not be the same without "Pops", but I do hope there is some way he can still factor him in or memorialized him in the movie 😔 if anyone can do it, Ice Cube can! 

Witherspoon's son shared a touching message on twitter: 

So...my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol. Love U Dad...I’ll miss u. - J.D.

  


"It is with deepest sorrow that we can confirm our beloved husband and father, John Witherspoon, one of the hardest working men in show business, died today at his home in Sherman Oaks at the age of 77," Witherspoon’s family told Deadline in a statement. "He is survived by his wife Angela, and his sons JD, Alexander, and a large family. We are all in shock, please give us a minute for a moment in privacy and we will celebrate his life and his work together. John used to say ‘I’m no big deal’, but he was huge deal to us."It is with deep sadness we have to tweet this, but our husband & father John Witherspoon has passed away. He was a Legend in the entertainment industry, and a father figure to all who watched him over the years. We love you “POPS” always & forever. - The Witherspoon Family pic.twitter.com/ov9P34kaMn — John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) October 30, 2019

Hey we got a New episode of Cooking for Poor People on my YouTube channel of today! I made Meatloaf Surprise! https://t.co/AOXnaIJAUN pic.twitter.com/Lx6dUBcxqs

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 19, 2018

Spending vacation time with my Wife in Europe #YeahBoy pic.twitter.com/fh3BOvSaJT

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 15, 2019

RIP my brother. You will be missed. Mannnnnnn this is a hard one. 🙏🏾John Witherspoon, Beloved 'Friday' and 'The Wayans Bros.' Star, Dead at 77 | Entertainment Tonight https://t.co/iUzyjCI4U1

— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) October 30, 2019

View this post on Instagram

I’m sad. Broken. Hurt.. yet extremely grateful to God that i got to spend 5 years of my life working with one of the funniest sweetest wisest humblest loving man @johnnywitherspoon you were my tv dad and my mentor and my friend. I miss you already. Something don’t feel right. This is heavy on my heart. Anyone that knows me knows how much i love pops. You have a strong wife and great kids. What an amazing family. Your boys damn near grew up on the #WayansBros set they’ll always be like my little brothers and sons. i will pass on all the jewels that you bestowed on to us. Thank you God for the many many many laughs that we shared on and off the set. You got “all the keys 🔑 “ and i know you got one to heaven’s gate. Anytime i want to laugh or to see you I’m gonna put on a episode of wayans bros and laugh until i cry. I miss already.... hope your dancing in heaven with ugly white shoes on. “Pops pops sugar pops”. #ripjohnwitherspoon #mysecondpops

💕 I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and may God be with His Family and Friends during this time. - City Chic

San Bernardino Massacre: 14 people killed; 1 to 3 suspects still on loose

San Bernardino Massacre: 14 people killed; 1 to 3 suspects still on loose

Site of Shooting

A hunt is underway for 1 to 3 suspects, who was said to be seen leaving in a Black SUV (YUKON) responsible for the Mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, at a center for people with developmental disabilities, at least 14 people were killed and 14 other people were wounded.

Up to 6:15 there may have been a suspect or person shot, The swat teams are on the road to what looks like a live chase ... developments are still underway! 

WATCH LIVE: abc7.com/live

Developments from CNN:

• The suspects were armed with long guns, Burguan told reporters. "These were people that came prepared. ... They were armed with long guns, not hand guns," he told reporters. Most of the victims were "centrally located in one area of the facility," Burguan said. Police didn't exchange gunfire with the shooters, he added.

• "At this point, I know one of your questions is going to be 'Is this a terrorist incident?' I will tell you right now we do not know if this is a terrorist incident," David Bowdich, an assistant director for Los Angeles FBI's office told reporters.

• The shootings were in the conference center at the Inland Regional Center, the center's executive director, Lavinia Johnson, told CNN. She believes the county's Department of Public Health was having a holiday party there. Johnson said the fire alarm went off in her building, and people began to evacuate but then the order came to stay in place. Later police came and took people out of their offices.

• The three suspects are believed to be armed with AK-47-type weapons, a local law enforcement official told CNN.

• President Barack Obama restated his call for more gun control reforms in the wake of the mass shooting. Speaking to CBS News, Obama said Congress should act in a bipartisan manner to close loopholes, including one that allows people on the TSA no-fly list to legally purchase firearms

• Four adults have been transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center, and the hospital is expecting three more patients, hospital spokeswoman Briana Pastorino said. She did not describe the nature of the patients' wounds. Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has received eight patients, an employee who didn't want to be named told CNN.

• The bomb squad found a suspicious package on the second floor of a building and determined it is "not normal," a law enforcement source told CNN. They are going to handle it with a robot, the source added.

• A woman who works at a building where the shootings occurred texted her father: "Shooting at my work. People shot." The father told CNN affiliate KABC his daughter told him 10 to 20 people were shot.

• The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding, agency representatives said.

• Wednesday's shooting occurred at the Inland Regional Center, a facility for people with developmental disabilities. It is unclear how many people were at the facility at the time of the shooting.

The center's Facebook page says it employs nearly 670 people at its facilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, providing service to more than 30,200 people.

It aims to "work on a personal, one-on-one basis with people with developmental disabilities to make their lives better as they define it." No information is yet available on how many people were at the facility at the time of the shooting.

People pray on the San Bernardino Golf Course, across the street from where a mass