Sonya Massey death: Sangamon County Board approves $10M settlement with family of woman set to speak Wednesday

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.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Alabama kindergarten teacher, 49, accused of enticing teen into bathroom for sexual encounter

49-year-old kindergarten teacher in Alabama allegedly lured teenager into a bathroom for a sexual activity

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An Alabama kindergarten “Teacher…
Egg recall over salmonella outbreak linked to several states, including Illinois, California, Arizona, Indiana

Eggs recalled due to salmonella outbreak in multiple states such as Illinois, California, Arizona, and Indiana

The CDC is out with a new alert about a salmonella outbreak…
WWE Money In The Bank 2025 Streaming Info: Start Time, Card, Where To Watch Money In The Bank Live

Catch all the WWE Money In The Bank 2025 action: Start Time, Match Card, and How to Watch Live

Live from the Intuit Dome in California, it’s WWE’s Money in the…
Harrowing plight of world's loneliest killer whales and dolphins: Tragic stories behind majestic sea creatures neglected and abused in marine parks

The sad situation of the loneliest killer whales and dolphins in the world: Heartbreaking tales of majestic ocean animals being mistreated and overlooked in aquatic parks.

They swim in dizzying circles, they go blind and they die slowly. …
Terror attack: FBI investigating attack in Boulder, Colorado as 'act of terror' | LIVE UPDATE

Tragic Plane Crash at Hinckley Airfield: Pilot Dead, 3-Year-Old Passenger Injured, According to DeKalb County Sheriff

HINCKLEY (WLS) — A pilot was killed and a toddler was injured…
New: Body Cam Footage of 'Maryland Dad' Abrego-Garcia Released, and Democrats Look Like Imbeciles

Chris Van Hollen’s recent remarks on Trump and Abrego Garcia cause a stir

The Trump administration was bringing Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the country…
Coco Gauff triumphs over Aryna Sabalenka in epic French Open final to claim the second Grand Slam title of her career aged just 21

Coco Gauff wins a thrilling French Open final against Aryna Sabalenka to secure her second Grand Slam title at the young age of 21

Coco Gauff’s journey to greatness persists as the 21-year-old American defeats Aryna…
Sarah Jessica Parker Responds to Backlash Over Che Diaz: “I Was Shocked” By Hate Toward ‘And Just Like That’ Character

Sarah Jessica Parker Reacts to Criticism About Che Diaz on ‘And Just Like That’: “I Was Surprised” by Negative Reactions Toward Character

Che Diaz has officially exited the scene, and not everyone is upset…
Federal officials slam Democrats for 'dangerous' rhetoric as ICE agents face violent mobs in LA, NYC

“Federal Officials Criticize Democrats’ Rhetoric Amid Violent Attacks on ICE Agents”

Protesters attempt to block ICE van ICE and federal agents clear protesters…
Patel promises FBI coming for anyone assaulting cops as Los Angeles erupts over ICE raids

Patel pledges FBI intervention for those attacking police amid Los Angeles unrest sparked by ICE operations

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! FBI Director Kash Patel…
Cargo ship full of electric vehicles abandoned in Pacific Ocean after terrifying fire erupts

Electric Vehicles Abandoned in Pacific Ocean After Cargo Ship Fire

A salvage team is en route to a cargo ship carrying almost…
Feel-Good Friday: GA Teen Who Left His Graduation to Work a Fast-Food Shift, Reaps Surprising Rewards

Positive Friday: Georgia Teen Leaves Graduation to Work at Fast-Food Job, Receives Unexpected Benefits

Some of the last commencement ceremonies are still taking place in America…