NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Rallying cries demanding justice for Sonya Massey rang from New York to New Jersey and across the nation Sunday, days after the release of police body camera footage showing Sherriff's Deputy Sean Grayson shooting the 36-year-old in her Illinois home. Massey had called 911 for help on July 6 when Grayson [...]

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Rallying cries demanding justice for Sonya Massey rang from New York to New Jersey and across the nation Sunday, days after the release of police body camera footage showing Sherriff's Deputy Sean Grayson shooting the 36-year-old in her Illinois home.

Massey had called 911 for help on July 6 when Grayson and another deputy responded to the call. Grayson could be heard in the video asking Massey to move a pot of hot water on her stove to prevent an accidental fire, and when she did, Grayson drew his weapon on her, threatening to shoot her unless she put the pot down. He has since been arrested and charged with her murder.

That video sparked public outrage, with a wave of protests taking place across the country.

"It was very heartbreaking, and I immediately cried," said Erica Smith, who attended a rally at Washington Square Park. "I heard the police say that she came at him with a pot of water, but I didn't see that, and it's so sad that she had to lose her life when she called on them for help."

Demonstrators gathered at Washington Square Park, holding signs and chanting slogans. Activists and community leaders spoke passionately about the urgent need for police reform and accountability. A vigil now grows at the park with candles, flowers, and signs that read "Protect Black Women."

"I've seen so much murder, so much violence against us, and it's not stopping," said demonstrator Dinetta Gilmore. "It's not stopping. What do we have to do to get it to stop? The policies aren't changing."

In Newark, demonstrators marched through the streets, expressing their frustrations with law enforcement's excessive use of force. They're calling for Grayson to be held accountable.

"Even though he has been charged, that doesn't mean he's going to be convicted, and if he is convicted, that doesn't mean he's going to get the sentence that he deserves," demonstrator Lawrence Hamm said. "So, we're all here today to demand justice."

If convicted, Grayson faces 45 years to life in prison for murder, six to 30 years for battery and two to five years for misconduct.