Sangamon County has agreed to pay $10 million to the family of Sonya Massey, who was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy last year after she called 911. The settlement was reached after private discussions between county officials and lawyers for Massey’s family.
Massey, 36, was killed on July 6, 2024, in her home near Springfield. She had called 911 to report a suspicious person outside. Moments after deputies arrived, one of them, Kyle Grayson, shot Massey in her kitchen. Witnesses say Massey was checking on a pot of boiling water at the time and said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
Grayson claimed he felt threatened. However, he was fired from the sheriff’s office and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty and is in jail, awaiting trial.
The settlement still needs approval from the Sangamon County Board. Board Chairman Andy Van Meter assured the public that the county would not raise taxes, borrow money, or cut services to pay the settlement.
“This settlement is part of our efforts to address the tragedy of Sonya Massey’s death,” Van Meter wrote. He added that the county is also working with the U.S. Department of Justice to improve police training and community trust.
“No amount of money can undo what happened,” Van Meter wrote. “But this agreement helps provide some compensation to Massey’s family for their loss.”
Board member Sam Cahnman said he supports the settlement but is concerned about how the county will pay the full amount.
“The settlement fund only has $1.5 million,” Cahnman said. He called on Van Meter to explain how the rest of the money would be raised without a tax hike or debt.
“He has not explained where the money will come from,” Cahnman said. “We need answers before voting on this Tuesday evening.”
Despite the concerns, Cahnman expects the board to approve the deal. “I think it will be approved, and I’m glad the family can finally get some relief from this nightmare,” he said.
For Massey’s family, the settlement is a step toward justice, but they plan to continue fighting for full accountability. Massey’s son, Malachi Hill-Massey, said, “We’re going to get justice, for sure.”
On February 12, Massey’s family will hold a demonstration at the state capitol to honor what would have been her 37th birthday.
Massey’s death has sparked major scrutiny of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. The department recently agreed to two years of oversight by the U.S. Department of Justice. However, this agreement is now being reviewed by President Trump’s administration, which may change oversight policies set under President Biden.
A group of county board members has asked the Illinois Attorney General or State Police to investigate the sheriff’s office, saying they don’t trust the federal agreement to be effective. The Massey Commission, a community panel created after the shooting, will discuss the request at its next meeting on February 10.
For now, the Massey family and their supporters continue to push for reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
