Sonya Massey's family, Sangamon County reach $10 million settlement in police shooting death

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The family of Sonya Massey has reached a $10 million settlement agreement with Sangamon County following her death in July 2024 by a now former sheriff's deputy.

According to a filing, the settlement was met this week after mediation and discussions between the county and Massey's estate.

Massey was shot by former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson, who is currently on trial for murder. The shooting was captured on police body camera video.

The settlement was unanimously approved by the Sangamon County Board at its Feb. 11 meeting.

"This settlement is part of Sangamon County’s ongoing efforts to address the tragic death of Sonya Massey," Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter said in a statement. "In addition to this agreement, the county is focused on improving its policies and practices through its memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice."

Van Meter said the settlement amount takes into account county finances and the use of taxpayer money.

"No price paid can take back the actions of a rogue former deputy, but this agreement is an effort to provide some measure of recompense to the Massey family for their unimaginable loss," Van Meter said. "The county remains committed to working with the community to strengthen policies to try to ensure tragedies like this never happen again."

Van Meter said the settlement will not result in tax increases, additional debt, or cuts to county services. It's not clear if the settlement is being paid for by an insurance policy.

The settlement amount is believed to be one of the largest in the county's history.