A former Oklahoma City police deputy was convicted of second-degree murder on Thursday in teh 2019 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old woman killed while attempting to drive away during a traffic stop. Mark Hopkins,38,faces up to life in prison for the crime,wiht sentencing scheduled for January 19,2024.
The verdict concludes a high-profile case that sparked protests and renewed scrutiny of police use of force in Oklahoma. Massey’s death, and the subsequent legal battle, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding qualified immunity for law enforcement and the standards for justifiable shootings. The outcome could influence future investigations and prosecutions of officers involved in deadly encounters, and provides a measure of closure for Massey’s family who have long sought justice.
according to court testimony and evidence presented at trial, Hopkins initiated a traffic stop on Massey on October 10, 2019, believing her vehicle matched the description of one involved in an earlier incident. As Hopkins approached the vehicle, Massey attempted to drive away. Hopkins fired his weapon, striking Massey, who then crashed into a building and died from her injuries.
Prosecutors argued Hopkins was not justified in using deadly force,asserting Massey posed no immediate threat. The defense maintained hopkins reasonably believed his life was in danger. The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution after deliberating for approximately eight hours.
“This has been a long and difficult journey for the Massey family, and we are grateful for the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence,” said Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna in a statement following the verdict. “This case serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers are held accountable for their actions.”
