SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — The Sangamon County Board has approved a $10 million settlement for the family of Sonya Massey.
Massey was shot and killed in her kitchen by a county sheriff’s deputy last July.
Wednesday, on what would have been her 37th birthday, Sonya Massey’s family spoke on the settlement during a virtual press conference.
While Attorney Ben Crimp said the family are pleased with the $10 million award, they also want institutional change.
James Wilburn, the father of Sonya Massey said his heart is heavy at a press conference on Wednesday.
“This is my daughter’s birthday. She would have been 37 years old,” Wilburn said.
Attorney Crump called it the first step in getting full justice for Massey.
Two proposed bills would address what attorneys called “untrained and unprofessional officers.”
The legislation calls for a more robust background check for law enforcement officers.
The county board approved the settlement during its Tuesday meeting after “extensive” confidential discussions between the county and Massey family.
Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter released a memo that was shared before the Tuesday settlement vote.
Van Meter mentions that no amount of money can undo the wrongdoings of a former deputy, but the settlement aims to offer some form of compensation to the Massey family for their immense suffering. The county’s dedication is to collaborate with the community in enhancing policies to prevent such heartbreaking events from occurring in the future.
SEE ALSO | Sangamon County enters agreement to end DOJ investigation into Sonya Massey’s killing
Sonya Massey was shot and killed in her kitchen by former county sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson last July after calling 911 about a possible intruder.
Grayson, who was fired, is facing first degree murder charges in Massey’s death. He remains in jail, awaiting trial on murder charges.
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