CHICAGO (CBS) — Sangamon County has agreed to a substantial $10 million settlement with the family of Sonya Massey, who tragically lost her life after being shot by a sheriff’s deputy in her own home last year. The settlement was finalized following extensive private discussions between the county’s attorneys and the legal representation for Massey’s family, as disclosed in a memo obtained by CBS News.
Sonya Massey, aged 36, was fatally shot on July 6, 2024, at her residence near Springfield. The incident occurred shortly after Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Grayson responded to her 911 call reporting a potential intruder outside her home. Tragically, Massey was shot by Grayson in her kitchen while attending to a pot on the stove, uttering the words, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson later claimed he felt threatened by Massey’s actions, resulting in his dismissal from the sheriff’s office, along with facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct related to Massey’s death. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently detained pending trial.
The $10 million settlement with Massey’s family is subject to approval by the Sangamon County Board. According to Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, this settlement forms part of the county’s commitment to address the tragic loss of Sonya Massey. Van Meter emphasized that the county is actively enhancing its policies and procedures, evident through its agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to refine crisis response strategies, bolster training programs, and foster community trust.
Van Meter reaffirmed in the memo that the settlement will not necessitate a tax increase, additional debt burdens, or service cutbacks to meet the financial obligation. Despite the challenges posed by the settlement amount, County Board member Sam Cahnman expressed optimism that the resolution to approve the settlement will be passed at the upcoming board meeting.
However, concerns remain regarding the funding of the settlement, given the existing limitations of the settlement fund, which currently holds only $1.5 million. Cahnman called for greater transparency from Van Meter in clarifying the financial mechanisms to honor the settlement without compromising the county’s fiscal stability.
For Massey’s family, the settlement signifies a step towards justice in response to the devastating loss they have endured. Promising to hold accountable the responsible parties for the circumstances surrounding Massey’s untimely death, her family sees the settlement as a crucial milestone in their pursuit of justice and closure.
Weeks after the shooting, it was mentioned that Feb. 12 would have marked Massey’s 37th birthday, prompting her family to organize a demonstration at the state capitol on that day. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office had recently agreed to be overseen by the U.S. Justice Department for a period of two years, although the longevity of this arrangement was now in doubt. Agreements related to civil rights that were finalized during the final days of the Biden administration were currently being reviewed by officials within President Trump’s Justice Department. In the meantime, a group of county board members had sent a formal letter to the Massey Commission – a citizen-led panel established in the aftermath of Massey’s tragic death – urging them to request an investigation by either the Illinois Attorney General or the Illinois State Police into the practices of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. These board members expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness and enforcement of the Justice Department agreement. The commission was scheduled to discuss this request during their upcoming meeting on Feb. 10.
Elsewhere, Arab-Americans who had supported Trump were reacting to news of a proposed takeover in Gaza. Additionally, efforts were underway to locate a missing plane carrying 10 individuals that had disappeared off the coast of Alaska. Furthermore, Netanyahu had provided a response to reports about U.S. soldiers potentially being stationed in Gaza as part of Trump’s plan.
