Sonya Massey’s Family Set to Receive $10 Million Settlement in Fatal Police Shooting
The Shooting
Sonya Massey, 36, had called law enforcement to her Springfield home on July 6 to report a possible intruder. Then-Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson shot her in the head, saying he feared Massey would throw a boiling pot of water at him.
Body camera footage of the shooting shows Massey ducking for cover behind a kitchen counter with her hands raised before Grayson fired at her.
Massey, who was unarmed, died an hour later of a gunshot wound just under her left eye.
The Settlement
The agreement is set for a vote by the county board at its monthly meeting on Tuesday. Massey’s family agreed not to file a civil lawsuit as part of the settlement.
The proposed county board resolution states that “it is the opinion of both the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office and private counsel representing Sangamon County that approving the mediated settlement agreement is in the best interests of Sangamon County.”
The Investigation
Last month, Sangamon County, its sheriff’s office and dispatch system agreed with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve an investigation into the shooting. The DOJ concluded it found no evidence that the county discriminated in providing services, and the county did not admit any liability.
The DOJ agreement states the sheriff’s office will continue to work with a Springfield behavioral health center to provide crisis services and send teams to mental health calls with police, among other reforms.
The Reforms
Sangamon County has also established the Massey Commission, which is made up of local residents and aims to address racial inequities in policing.
Conclusion
The $10 million settlement is a significant step towards justice for Sonya Massey’s family and a recognition of the harm caused by the fatal police shooting. The reforms implemented by Sangamon County, including the creation of the Massey Commission, are a positive step towards addressing racial inequities in policing and ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again.
FAQs
What is the proposed settlement amount? The proposed settlement amount is $10 million.
What is the outcome of the investigation? The U.S. Department of Justice concluded that it found no evidence that the county discriminated in providing services, and the county did not admit any liability.
What reforms have been implemented by Sangamon County? Sangamon County has implemented reforms, including the creation of the Massey Commission, to address racial inequities in policing and ensure that such tragedies do not happen again.
What is the current status of former Deputy Sean Grayson? Grayson, 30, was fired after he was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He remains jailed in Macon County, and his next court date is March 24.
