SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — It's been seven months since Sonya Massey was killed in her home by then-Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson. 

Tuesday night, the Sangamon County Board unanimously agreed to pay the family of Sonya Massey a settlement of $10 million. On what would have been her 37th birthday, the Massey family said this is a small part in their trip to receive full justice in her death. 

"We know that this is the beginning of the fight, and we're willing to do the work and put put the work in until we seek full justice for the murder of Sonya," said Ray Massey, Sonya's uncle. "We truly appreciate everyone that is fighting for our cause and seeking full justice for Sonya." 

Massey's father, James Wilburn, said since the beginning, he's been determined to have Massey's death make a difference. He is pushing for Illinois to change their legislation and ensure law enforcement officers are removed from the job as soon as they cause any issues. 

"There should be some changes in how things are prosecuted when they take place like this in the state, and I said that the state of Illinois could be leaders throughout our whole country," said Wilburn. "Seeing that these frequent flyers who go from one department to another, who are given the opportunity to resign rather than be fired, because it's an easier process, and they go from one department to another, as this rogue cop did."

Wilburn said the responsibility for Massey's death doesn't just fall on Grayson or Sangamon County. He said it also falls on each department that hired Grayson previously, and those who knew his behavior but didn't tell anyone. 

Senator Doris Turner and Representative Justin Slaughter have introduced new legislation that would place more restrictions on individuals working in law enforcement.  

The criminal case against Sean Grayson is still ongoing.

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