On what would have been her 37th birthday, the family of Sonya Massey reached a $10 million settlement after a sheriff’s deputy shot and killed her in her home last July. The Sangamon County Board approved the agreement on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
The deputy, Sean Grayson, was fired and now faces a first-degree murder charge in Massey’s death. Since the shooting, questions have surfaced about how he was hired, given his troubling history. Before joining the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, Grayson worked for six different police departments in four years. He also had two DUI convictions and multiple professional concerns on his record.
At an online news conference, civil rights attorney Ben Crump called the settlement “bittersweet.”
“This is our first step in getting full justice for Sonya Massey,” Crump said. “We want civil accountability, criminal culpability, and legislative changes. We want the laws to prevent something like this from happening again.”
A Push for Reform
Massey’s death has spurred calls for stronger police hiring standards. Illinois State Rep. Justin Slaughter and State Sen. Doris Turner have introduced bills aimed at increasing transparency in law enforcement hiring. Their legislation would require agencies to share applicants’ disciplinary records and personal history.
Massey’s father, James Wilburn, thanked the lawmakers for their efforts.
“My heart is heavy today,” he said. “No one else should have to feel the kind of hurt we are feeling.”
Settlement Details
Sangamon County officials will pay the settlement from a dedicated fund and other reserves. A court will determine how the money is distributed, but Massey’s two teenage children will receive the majority of the funds, according to attorney Antonio Romanucci. Attorney fees will also be determined by the court.
Meanwhile, Grayson remains in jail, despite a November ruling by a state appellate court that found his detention improper. The Illinois Supreme Court is reviewing the case.
Statement from Massey’s Family and Attorneys
“The settlement brings some measure of accountability and closure to those who loved Sonya, but nothing can remove the persistent pain, frustration, and grief caused by her senseless death. The use of deadly force during that encounter is as stunning as it is deeply, deeply sad. It is the hope of Sonya’s family that her death brings change and that the community will continue to say her name so no one else needlessly loses their life when all they are asking for is help.
“As we mark Sonya’s birthday today, we are grateful for Sen. Doris Turner and Rep. Justin Slaughter for introducing legislation to strengthen police hiring practices. Law enforcement officers must meet high standards before being given a badge and a gun. Sonya’s family believes a more thorough hiring process could have prevented this tragedy.”
Rep. Slaughter emphasized the need for change.
“This bill ensures that law enforcement applicants meet reasonable standards and that any past misconduct or personal issues are brought to light,” Slaughter said. “We do this in honor of Sonya Massey so that others like her will not be senselessly harmed or killed.”
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