Sonya Massey Shooting Settlement Approved for $10 Million

Sangamon County, Illinois, officials have reached a $10 million settlement with the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old woman fatally shot in her home last summer after calling police for assistance. The Sangamon County Board unanimously approved the agreement last Tuesday.

Settlement Details

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey’s family, held a virtual news conference on what would have been her 37th birthday. The settlement, described as “historic” by attorneys, is reportedly the largest ever reached in Sangamon County. County Administrator Brian McFadden confirmed it was the largest settlement in his memory, to be funded from a settlement fund and other county reserves. The funds will be allocated to Massey’s two children, with a court determining compensation for attorneys.

Calls for Justice and Legislative Change

Crump stated the settlement is “only the first step in the journey for justice,” emphasizing the family’s pursuit of civil accountability, criminal culpability, and legislative changes to prevent similar incidents. He noted the settlement represents 50% of the sheriff’s office’s annual budget.

The Incident

On July 6, Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler. Then-Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy responded. Body-camera footage showed Grayson pointing out a pot of boiling water on the stove. As Massey retrieved the pot and stated, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Grayson instructed her to drop it. When she ducked, he fired three shots, one fatally striking her.

Charges Against Deputy Grayson

Grayson, who has pleaded not guilty, was fired and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He remains in jail. Records indicate Grayson had worked for six law enforcement agencies in central Illinois within four years and had documented performance issues at some previous employers.

Prior Concerns and Police Response

The day before the shooting, Massey’s mother, Donna Massey, called 911 expressing concern that police might try to harm her daughter. The incident added Massey’s name to a list of Black residents fatally shot in their homes by police across the country.

Sheriff’s Office and Employment History

Sonya Massey’s father, James Wilburn, stated that Sangamon County and other agencies where Grayson previously worked were responsible for his daughter’s death. Grayson’s employment history, including two DUI convictions in 2015 and 2016, prompted questions about why he was allowed to work in law enforcement. The 2015 DUI conviction led to his discharge from the Army. The incident also led to the premature retirement of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, who had hired Grayson.

Federal Investigation and Reforms

The Massey case prompted a memorandum of agreement between the U.S. Justice Department and the sheriff’s office. The county pledged changes including enhanced training, policy updates regarding nondiscriminatory policing, and reporting of use-of-force data. The DOJ found no discriminatory practices by the sheriff’s office or the county’s emergency dispatch operation in connection with Massey’s death.