The family of Sonya Massey has agreed to a $10 million settlement over six months after her fatal shooting by a deputy in her Illinois residence. The agreement was reached between Massey’s family lawyers and Sangamon County attorneys following mediation last week, as per documents obtained by NBC News. The settlement awaits approval from the county board, scheduled to convene on Tuesday evening.
In a memo to board members, County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter expressed that the settlement signified the county’s commitment to addressing the sorrowful passing of Sonya Massey. The process leading to the settlement involved days of confidential discussions and negotiations. The county is dedicated to enhancing its policies and practices with the assistance of a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, under which the sheriff’s department will be monitored for two years.
Van Meter emphasized that the settlement would not lead to tax increases, additional debt, or cuts to county services. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey’s family, did not provide immediate comment, in line with the confidentiality terms until the full board’s review.
Sonya Massey, 36, was tragically killed in her Springfield home on July 6 by then-Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson. The incident was captured on body camera footage, where Massey interacted with the deputies before being shot. Grayson, who later claimed he feared for his life, was fired from his position, indicted on several charges, and remains in custody.
Sheriff Jack Campbell resigned in August amid public outrage over the hiring of Grayson. The county board is expected to approve the settlement in the upcoming meeting.
Settlement. “I am glad Sonya Massey’s family will get some relief from this nightmare,” he said in a statement. “But no amount of money will bring Sonya back.”
