SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Officials in Sangamon County, Illinois, have made a decision to compensate the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who was tragically shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy in her home last summer, with a payment of $10 million. The county board’s approval of this settlement was finalized during a meeting on Tuesday evening, thereby allowing taxpayers to sidestep a potentially lengthy and distressing legal battle stemming from the fatal incident involving former deputy Sean Grayson.
The county has a designated settlement fund that contains approximately $1.5 million. However, as reported by local news outlets, county administrator Brian McFadden indicated that the remaining amount needed for the settlement will be drawn from reserves held in other county accounts. “We will manage this settlement without increasing taxes, issuing new debt, or reducing services,” McFadden stated. “We have provisions in our reserves to handle this situation.”
In anticipation of the settlement, Massey’s family announced a press conference for Wednesday morning. Sean Grayson, aged 30, has been formally charged with first-degree murder in relation to the incident involving Massey, which escalated during a discussion regarding a hot pot left on her stovetop.
This case has garnered national scrutiny, highlighting the concerning pattern of police shootings involving Black individuals within their own homes. The incident contributed to the early retirement of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, the official who had previously employed Grayson. Additionally, it led to an agreement with the Justice Department aimed at enhancing training on non-discriminatory policing methods, de-escalation techniques, and managing mental health crises.
In the days leading up to the shooting, Massey had expressed distress, resulting in multiple 911 calls made by her and her mother. On the morning of July 6, she called emergency services to report a possible intruder. When Grayson and another deputy arrived, a conversation began in her living room. During this exchange, Grayson requested the other officer to remove a pot of water he noticed on the stove.
Massey humorously engaged with Grayson about his retreat from the pot before declaring, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson then commanded her to drop the pot and drew his firearm. In response to the escalating confrontation, Massey apologized and attempted to shield herself behind a counter. Grayson discharged his weapon three times, hitting Massey just below her left eye.
Despite a unanimous ruling in November by the 4th District Appellate Court, declaring that Grayson’s pre-trial detention was unjustified due to insufficient evidence proving he posed a significant threat to the community, he remains incarcerated. This court decision stemmed from new legislation in Illinois, which abolished cash bail beginning in 2023, allowing judges to remand individuals only when there is substantial justification. The Illinois Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether to appeal this particular ruling.
