Sonya Massey's family demands change as Sangamon County approves $10M settlement

Massey fatally shot at Springfield home last July by former Deputy Sean Grayson after she called 911

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team and Karen Jordan

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Sonya Massey's family speaks as county approves $10M settlement

While Attorney Ben Crump said the family are pleased with the $10 million award, they also want institutional change.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- The Sangamon County Board has approved a $10 million settlement for the family of Sonya Massey.

Massey was shot and killed in her kitchen by a county sheriff's deputy last July.

Wednesday, on what would have been her 37th birthday, Sonya Massey's family spoke on the settlement during a virtual press conference.

While Attorney Ben Crump said the family are pleased with the $10 million award, they also want institutional change.

James Wilburn, the father of Sonya Massey said his heart is heavy at a press conference on Wednesday.

"This is my daughter's birthday. She would have been 37 years old," Wilburn said.

Attorney Crump called it the first step in getting full justice for Massey.

Two proposed bills would address what attorneys called "untrained and unprofessional officers."

The legislation calls for a more robust background check for law enforcement officers.

The county board approved the settlement during its Tuesday meeting after "extensive" confidential discussions between the county and Massey family.

Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter released a memo that was shared before the Tuesday settlement vote.

Van Meter writes in part, "No price paid can take back the actions of a rogue former deputy, but this agreement is an effort to provide some measure of recompense to the Massey family for their unimaginable loss. The county remains committed to working with the community to strengthen policies to try to ensure tragedies like this never happen again."