Sangamon County, Illinois, has agreed to a $10 million settlement with the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in her home last summer after calling 911 for help.
The settlement, unanimously approved by the Sangamon County Board, is the largest of its kind in county history.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Massey’s family, called it “only the first step in the journey for justice.”
What Happened To Sonya Massey?
On July 6, 2023, Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler.
Then-Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson responded, and body-camera footage shows him ordering Massey to drop a boiling pot of water.
As she ducked, Grayson fired three shots, one hitting her beneath the left eye.
Grayson later claimed he feared for his life because Massey said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
However, his troubled past soon came to light—he had worked for six law enforcement agencies in four years and had two DUI convictions, which led to his discharge from the Army.
Justice and Accountability
Grayson was fired and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.
He has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail.
The shooting also led to the early retirement of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, who faced backlash for hiring Grayson despite his documented history of misconduct.
Impact and Reforms
The settlement funds will go to Massey’s two children, with a court determining legal fees.
In the wake of the tragedy, Sangamon County signed a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Justice Department, pledging changes such as:
- Enhanced officer training
- Updated nondiscriminatory policing policies
- Improved use-of-force reporting
Though the DOJ found no systemic discrimination, advocates continue pushing for deeper reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
Sonya Massy – Another National Tragedy
Sonya Massey’s death adds to a growing list of Black Americans killed in their homes by police, including Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, and Roger Fortson.
Her family remains committed to seeking full justice, ensuring meaningful legislative change.
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