SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking detailed records concerning the fatal shooting of a woman in her Illinois home by a sheriff’s deputy. This inquiry is part of a broader examination into how local law enforcement interacts with Black residents and individuals with behavioral health challenges.

In a letter sent Thursday to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the Justice Department outlined numerous demands spanning multiple categories. Sheriff Paula Crouch stated on Friday that the Sheriff’s Office and related county agencies have been in discussions and have committed to cooperating fully with the Justice Department throughout this review.

The shooting incident involved Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, who lost her life during a confrontation with deputies in July, after they responded to a report regarding a possible prowler at her residence in Springfield. Reports indicate that she was shot three times by the officer in the course of the event.

The involved officer, Sean Grayson, who is white, has since been terminated from his position. He is facing charges including murder, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

The Justice Department is particularly interested in understanding whether the sheriff’s office has established protocols for dealing with individuals experiencing “behavioral health crises,” along with a variety of other inquiries. The agency underscored that this situation raises significant issues regarding interactions with Black individuals as well as those with behavioral health disabilities.

Andy Van Meter, the chairman of the Sangamon County Board, emphasized that the Justice Department’s investigation is a crucial initiative to enhance public confidence in the sheriff’s office.