SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office is responding to accusations made by Sonya Massey's family and their attorney Ben Crump, amid questions from the community regarding Massey's shooting death by a former deputy.
Massey, 36, was shot and killed in her home by former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson after she called 911 to report a possible prowler in her home on July 6.
Massey's family and community members have questioned the events leading up to her death and the actions taken by the sheriff's office in the aftermath.
Below is a list of questions WAND News sent to the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and their responses to those questions. The questions were answered by department spokesperson Jeff Wilhite.
- Was the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office ever confused about whether the incident was self-inflicted, or not?
"The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office was not confused about whether the incident was self-inflicted. We are aware that the phrase “self-inflicted” was used by radio dispatchers and others at certain times. Those on the scene knew the cause of death, and former Deputy Grayson clearly stated at least twice in the body cam video that he was the shooter."
- How do you address claims made by the family that, calling the incident self-inflicted was an attempt to cover up the shooting of Sonya Massey?
"The Sheriff’s Office has not referred to the incident as being self-inflicted. While we are aware that the phrase “self-inflicted” was used, we understood it to be a question by dispatchers initially. No cover-up has occurred. The Sheriff’s office contacted the Illinois State Police and requested that they initiate and take over the investigation of the incident even before Ms. Massey was reported to have died. According to our records, this was requested at 1:42 am on July 6, 2024. The Sheriff’s Office shared all information requested by ISP.
"The immediate action of the Sheriff's Office in turning this case over to the Illinois State Police reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability. The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office is calling on the Illinois State Police to investigate the claims surrounding the scanner audio that incorrectly suggested a self-inflicted cause of death. We owe it to the community and to Ms. Massey's family to ensure complete transparency."
- When was the family told that Sonya Massey was killed by a Deputy?
"We do not know when the family was told that Sonya Massey was killed by a deputy. As noted above, the Sheriff’s Office requested that ISP initiate and handle an independent investigation at 1:42 am, which is before we were advised that Ms. Massey had passed. Per standard protocol, ISP would take over all aspects of the investigation, including identifying family and providing them with all information they felt should be shared at the time. The Sheriff’s Office was not involved in the ISP investigation."
- When will Grayson's application, personnel file, and prior complaints be released?
"Grayson’s personnel file has been requested under FOIA. We will post all documents released pursuant to that request soon."
- Why did Sheriff Jack Campbell hire a person with two DUIs?
"Through our current hiring process, Grayson’s application was reviewed and sent to a Merit Commission for review and certification. The Merit Commission certified Grayson for hire. He was also interviewed by more than one person. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) reviewed the information, which included the DUI convictions. ILETSB certified Grayson for hire and advised that he had been certified several times in the past despite the history of the DUIs. Grayson passed a drug test, criminal background check, and psychological evaluation and graduated from a 16-week training academy before serving as a Sangamon County Deputy."
- Has the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council filed a grievance over the termination of Sean Grayson?
"Yes."
WAND was sent a copy of that grievance. In it, the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council said Grayson was terminated "without just cause." The grievance goes on to say the "Employer publicly disseminated details of the investigation and termination on Facebook, in violation of the CBA and prior to giving the grievance or his representatives notice of the decision to terminate."
They are seeking Grayson's reinstatement and reimbursement for all lost wages, restoration of all lost benefits, and "any other appropriate relief."
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