SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — On Friday, the United States Justice Department, alongside a sheriff’s office in central Illinois, revealed an agreement concluding an investigation into the shooting death of an unarmed Black woman, Sonya Massey, who was killed in her home last summer after calling 911 for help.
The memorandum of agreement clarified that federal officials did not find any evidence of discriminatory practices by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or its emergency dispatch services in relation to Massey’s death. Additionally, local authorities committed to implementing a range of corrective actions, which include enhanced training and reporting on use-of-force incidents. The former deputy involved in the shooting, Sean Grayson, was terminated from his position and is currently incarcerated facing a first-degree murder charge.
Inquiries have arisen regarding the events leading to this investigation. On July 6, Massey, who was 36 years old, called for assistance at her home, expressing her concern about a potential intruder. Grayson, accompanied by another officer—both of whom were white—arrived at her residence to gather details. During the encounter, Massey humorously engaged with Grayson about a pan of boiling water while also expressing a personal remark, invoking a religious phrase. However, tensions escalated when Grayson ordered her to drop the pot, leading him to discharge his firearm three times, fatally wounding her beneath her left eye.
Initially, the Justice Department announced in July that it was looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, it was a commission formed by the county, co-chaired by Massey’s cousin, Shadia Massey, which sought federal intervention in October. This led to an official request from federal authorities for documents from the county the following month.
Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter acknowledged the commission’s efforts, stating their vigilance helped align current practices with optimal ethical standards throughout the community.
The investigation by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division focused on the county’s adherence to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Safe Streets Act of 1968, both of which prohibit racial, color, or national origin discrimination. Given the frequency of previous 911 calls related to Massey’s mental health from both her and her mother prior to the incident, the authorities also examined the case through the lens of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination in public services based on disabilities.
The memorandum of agreement further acknowledges the proactive measures the county has taken, such as pursuing criminal charges against Grayson and establishing the Massey Commission in response to community concerns. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke highlighted that this agreement signifies Sangamon County’s dedication to reform initiatives designed to enhance public safety and rebuild community trust.
In compliance with the agreement, the county is required to introduce additional training for deputies and emergency dispatch staff focusing on nondiscriminatory practices, de-escalation strategies, and engagement with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Collaborating with local health initiatives, the county will also create a mobile crisis response unit that allows mental health professionals to intervene in crises, prioritizing de-escalation rather than conventional police methods.
To ensure accountability, officials are mandated to improve how they gather and analyze use-of-force data, particularly regarding interactions with individuals with disabilities to ensure they align with current enforcement standards. Furthermore, local authorities will be tasked with reviewing their existing policies and procedures, eliminating outdated practices, and increasing community engagement through public forums to listen to taxpayer concerns.
