Sonya Massey - Episode 4 - Combative Officers

FROM USA TODAY

Massey's family members and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, have acknowledged on several occasions that Massey struggled with her mental health.

"She was dealing with some issues," Crump said in an appearance in Springfield on July 22. "She needed a helping hand. She didn't need a bullet to the face."

In the 911 call placed shortly after 9 a.m. on July 5, Donna Massey described her daughter's behavior and what she was experiencing. "The mental health people told me to call 911 because she could get in her car and kill herself or somebody. She's run a couple of red lights," she told dispatch.

Donna Massey said Sonya Massey wasn't a danger to herself and "she's not a danger to me."

"I don't want you guys to hurt her, please," she added.