Sangamon County Sheriff speaks to public for first time since Massey death

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) -The U.S Department of Justice hosted a community healing and listening session today in Springfield regarding the death of Sonya Massey.

The goal of the event was to answer two questions, provided by the DOJ: How do you feel about the recent events in Springfield/Sangamon County and what would you recommend to improve relations between community members and law enforcement? Over 300 community members attended and dozens addressed the panel. 

Most community members who commented at the event said that the Sangamon County Sherriff's Office has messed up one too many times, especially when it comes to their interactions with people of color.

"What I truly believe to my core is that Sonya Massey would still be alive if Springfield Police Department were the first agency dispatched to the call," said former Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder. 

Ward 3 Alderman Roy Williams said the death of a teen at the Sangamon County Juvenile Facility was one indicator of failure in the office. 

"Our community still doesn't know how our gun gets into a juvenile facility, or at least they should have known and found out why," said Williams. "So we don't want this to be a repeat of this." 

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell talked to the community for the first time since Massey's death on July 6th. He admitted the mistakes made by the department. 

"I'm going to say something right now that I've never said before in my career, we failed, we did not do our jobs," said Campbell, whose comment was met by applause from the crowd. "We failed Sonya, we failed Sonya's family and friends, we failed our community and I stand here today with my arms wide open and ask for forgiveness." 

But despite his promises to improve the department, many attendees still pushed for the Sherriff to resign. 

"This happened under his watch, under his leadership..." said Jenna Broom, Springfield resident. "True leaders take responsibility, bad leaders pass on that. He needs to take ownership of what happened and resign and let the department start fresh." 

Kamara Harris, who attended camp with Sonya Massey and has connected with her family since her death, says the community needs a better leader. 

"Where has he been? His silence has spoken many volumes. You don't show up for the community," said Harris. 

Campbell confirmed he would not be leaving his office, saying he needs to stay with the office while the department tackles this issue. 

"You all are the reason I ran for sheriff, my commitment to you has never wavered," said Campbell. "I cannot step down, I will not abandon the sheriff's office in the most critical moment that would solve nothing... I vow to listen and learn."