Sonya Massey’s family reaches $10M settlement in fatal police shooting

Sangamon County, IL officials have agreed to a $10 million settlement with the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old woman fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in her own home last year.

Police incident leads to deadly shooting

On July 6, 2024, Massey called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her Woodside Township, Illinois residence. Minutes after walking into her home, Deputy Grayson shot her in her kitchen as she checked on a pot of boiling water, declaring, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Grayson later claimed he shot in self-defense, saying he felt threatened. He was terminated and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct. Grayson plead not guilty, but remains in jail while seeking release before trial.

Sonya Massey settlement

According to a memo obtained by CBS News, county officials negotiated the $10 million settlement through mediation following “extensive confidential discussions” and focus on improving its policies and practices.

The $10 million settlement with Massey’s family must be approved by the Sangamon County Board.

“This settlement is part of Sangamon County’s ongoing efforts to address the tragic death of Sonya Massey. 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. That agreement establishes measures to refine crisis response, enhance training, and build community trust,” Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter wrote in a memo to the county board.

How the county will pay up is still up in the air. Sangamon County board member Sam Cahnman expressed he’s not sure how the county will afford the $10 million settlement.

“The strange thing is we have a settlement fund, and there’s only $1.5 million dollars in that fund,” he said.

Justice for Sonya Massey

Massey’s family has said they will continue to seek justice to hold county officials accountable for the circumstances that led to her killing.

“We’re going to get justice for sure. I know. We are, for sure,” her son, Malachi Hill-Massey, said weeks after the shooting.

The family plans to demonstrate at the state capitol on Feb. 12, which would have been Massey’s 37th birthday.