Sangamon County Sheriff’s  Statement on the Killing of Sonya Massey

On July 6, 2024, a few days after the one year anniversary of killing of Black New Rochelle native Jarrel Garris with a gunshot to the back of his head by white New Rochelle Police Detective Steven Conn, Sonya Massey also died of a gunshot to her head fired by white Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson in her home in Sangamon County, IL.  Massey, who was Black, had called 911 to report an intruder.

Mr. Garris’s neighbors, family, and friends are still awaiting the results of an investigation by the NYS District Attorney’s office and some official acknowledgement from the City of New Rochelle that a father, brother, son, cousin, neighbor was unnecessarily and brutally killed. 

Meanwhile, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s office quickly fired Deputy Grayson, and a grand jury charged him on July 17 with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.  Grayson is being held in jail without bail, Atlanta-based URL partner Capital B News reported.  

Also on July 17, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell issued the following statement on the killing of Sonia Massey:

“Wednesday July 17 – Statement from Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell Regarding the Former Deputy’s Indictment

“First and foremost, my heart breaks for the family and friends of Sonya Massey. This is a tragic incident, and we mourn with them and the community.

“Immediately upon notification of the shooting, I contacted the Illinois State Police and asked them to conduct the investigation. This tragic incident deserved an independent, swift, and thorough review. I asked the ISP to proceed rapidly but thoroughly, and they have done just that. I thank them for their service, and the service they have provided for our community.

“The investigation into the shooting on July 6, 2024, is now complete. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney has filed charges against the deputy involved in the fatal shooting of Ms. Massey. It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. Therefore, Sean Grayson’s employment with the Sheriff’s Office has been terminated. It is my understanding that the body cam videos will be released on Monday, July 22nd; I completely support the release of the officers’ body cam videos in their entirety.

“The actions taken by Deputy Grayson do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement as a whole. Good law enforcement officers stand with our community in condemning actions that undermine the trust and safety we strive to uphold. In times like these, it is crucial for leadership across all sides and spectrums to come together to heal our community.

“We are committed to justice and accountability. With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences. Our office will continue to cooperate fully with the criminal proceedings as this case moves forward. “We must continue to trust our justice system and the legal process, and work together as a community so the actions of one person does not divide us.”

Protests were held across the country yesterday as part of a National Day of Mourning for Sonya Massey.

As noted in prior New RoAR News articles here and here, New Rochelle’s Community-Police Partnership Board (CPPB) has delivered its detailed proposal for a Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) to the City Council.  The proposal calls for a weak “review-only” board with no independent investigative authority or input into police discipline.   A public hearing on the proposed CCRB will be held at City Hall on Tuesday, September 10, at 7 pm.