On Monday night, July 29th, the Department of Justice held a listening and community discussion at Union Baptist Church, attended by over 300 people. The event centered around the tragic death of Sonya Massey and began to foster dialogue between the community and law enforcement.
In an opening statement, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell expressed deep remorse and accountability, stating, "Sonya Massey — I speak her name. I will never forget her. I can’t imagine the pain her family and friends feel right now. I am sorry. She called for help. That’s all she did. I’m going to say something that I have never said in my career. We failed. We failed Sonya Massey. We failed Sonya Massey’s family and friends. We failed our community. I stand here with my arms open and ask you for forgiveness. I ask Ms. Massey and her family for forgiveness. I offer up no excuses. What I do offer is our attempt to do better. To be better."
The tragic incident involving Sonya Massey occurred on July 6th, when deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a prowler. Former Deputy Sean Grayson fired his gun, resulting in Massey's death. The Illinois State Police conducted a thorough investigation, leading to charges being filed against Grayson. He has since been dismissed from his position and is now facing criminal proceedings. Grayson remains in custody.
During the discussion, the community shared their feelings of hurt, anger, and betrayal, emphasizing the need for substantial changes in law enforcement practices. Many residents recounted their personal experiences and the broader impact of such incidents on their trust in law enforcement. They voiced a strong desire for increased transparency, better training for officers, and stronger community oversight. Recommendations included mandatory de-escalation training and the establishment of a civilian review board to oversee police conduct.
The DOJ staff compiled the information discussed and will share it with local elected leaders to ensure that the community's voice is heard and acted upon. This compilation will include detailed accounts of the community's concerns, specific suggestions for policy changes, and a call for ongoing dialogue between law enforcement and residents. The aim is to translate these recommendations into actionable policies that rebuild trust and ensure justice and safety for all members of the community.
