'Sonya Massey should be alive today.' Lawmakers share feelings on death of woman killed by deputy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers and officials are sharing their thoughts on a Springfield woman killed in her own home by a Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy.

Sonya Massey, 36, was shot at her home on Hoover Ave. by now-former deputy Sean P. Grayson on July 6.

Massey had called 911 about a prowler or possible intruder that night and two deputies met with her at her home. During this interaction, Grayson shot Massey. An Illinois State Police investigation and review by the Sangamon County State's Attorney found that his use of deadly force was not justified.

Grayson was arrested on murder charges as well as aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct Wednesday afternoon. He was arraigned in court Thursday where he pleaded not guilty and was denied pre-trial release.

These officials and lawmakers have released statements regarding the death of Sonya Massey:

Gov. JB Pritzker

“Sonya Massey was concerned for her safety and called law enforcement to her home for protection. Like all Illinoisans, she deserved that protection. Instead, innocent and unarmed, she was gunned down by an officer of the law. My heart breaks for Sonya’s children, for her family and friends and for all who knew and loved her, and I am enraged that another innocent black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer. I’m grateful to the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office for bringing the appropriate charges in this case. May Sonya Massey’s memory be a blessing, and may it fuel our work to build a system of justice in this country that truly protects all of its citizens.”

State Senator Doris Turner

"This a devastating situation, yes I am the State Senator representing the area, but this was a person that I was very close to personally. So it really hits you differently. I have had a generational relationship with this family and you know, have watched them grow and friends with my kids. And it's just very, very, very, very difficult.

"It's hard to imagine how someone will call for assistance from law enforcement who was supposed to protect and serve and then end up being shot in the head, and die. It's unimaginable and unexplainable.

"So the investigation has concluded, the deputy that was involved has been, arrested and just going to be arraigned today. However, there are still so many unanswered questions, and so many things that we need to look into, like at first and foremost, if you look at the background of this officer, Why was he even hired?"

Representative Nikki Budzinski

"Like too many Black men and women, Sonya Massey's life was taken by an officer who swore an oath to serve and protect her. My heart is with her loved ones and the Springfield community as we mourn her loss.

"As investigations unfold and charges are pursued, I expect full and appropriate accountability to be ensured by our justice system. I commend local officials and the Springfield State's Attorney's office for the swift and transparent action taken in response to this tragedy."

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

"Sonya Massey’s life mattered, and my heart aches for her loved ones, especially her children, during this unimaginably difficult time.

"Her final moments are another haunting demonstration of a system that failed to protect and serve. The emotions -- pain, anger, and fear -- washing over our community are both valid and understandable.

"It is unconscionable that a call for help would result in such a tragic and preventable loss of life. The announcement of charges by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office is a first step toward accountability.

"May we all speak the name of Sonya Massey out loud and with clarity. May it serve as a way to both honor her and sustain us in the ongoing fight for the safety and justice we all deserve.

"I’m sending love and light to all who knew her and continue to love her.

"Sonya Massey should be alive today."

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter

"Sonya Massey’s murder is a tragedy that reverberates in multiple dimensions. We are powerless to right this wrong. But we can seek justice for the victim and for the community. I have the highest degree of confidence that Sheriff Jack Campbell and State’s Attorney John Milhiser will do their utmost to achieve the community’s collective will that justice be done.

"We must not let the tragic decision of one individual besmirch our highly trained and dedicated law enforcement officers. We must redouble our efforts to guard against the recurrence of such a tragedy."

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell

"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."