The Sangamon County Board in Illinois has agreed to pay $10 million to the family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who was fatally shot by a white sheriff's deputy last year. The settlement was approved unanimously by the board on Tuesday after intensive negotiations with representatives of Ms. Massey's family.
Ms. Massey was shot and killed in her home in Springfield, Illinois on July 6, 2024. She had called 911 because she thought a prowler was outside her home. The deputy who responded to the call, Sean Grayson, has been charged with murder.
The Massey family's lawyer, Ben Crump, called the settlement "bittersweet." He said the family was also seeking legislative changes and a criminal conviction of Mr. Grayson.
The Sangamon County Board chairman, Andy Van Meter, said in a statement that "no price paid can take back the actions of a rogue former deputy, but this agreement is an effort to provide some measure of recompense to the Massey family for their unimaginable loss." He added that the county remains committed to working with the community to strengthen policies to try to ensure tragedies like this never happen again.
5 Comments
Leonardo
“I stand with the Massey family and hope this decision paves the way for systematic changes in law enforcement.”
Michelangelo
“It’s just money, and it can’t mend a broken community trust. We deserve more than a cash settlement.”
Donatello
“It feels like the county is trying to put a price tag on a life, rather than seeking systemic change.”
Raphael
“Finally, some accountability! This settlement is a step toward acknowledging and addressing systemic injustices.”
Leonardo
“I’m disappointed that the focus is on compensation instead of fully holding the deputy criminally responsible.”