Chicago (CBS) – Sangamon County officials have reached a $10 million settlement agreement with their family Sonya MasseyHe was shot dead at his home by sheriff’s deputies after calling 911 last year.
According to a memo obtained by CBS News, county officials negotiated a $10 million settlement through mediation following a “broad confidential discussion” between the county lawyer and the attorneys of Massey’s family.
Massey, 36 years old Shot and killed in her house Near Springfield on July 6, 2024.
Just minutes after Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy and other officers answered Massey’s 911 call about potential depression while wandering outside her home, she was entitled “Her” “I will blam you,” and while checking the boiling pot in her kitchen, Massey shot and killed in the kitchen in the name of Jesus. ”
Grayson later felt he was being threatened by her, but he was fired from the sheriff’s office. He was charged with first-degree murderaggravated battery, and official misconduct in Massey’s death. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and remained in prison. But he’s fighting in court to be released from custody While he awaits trial.
A $10 million settlement with Massey’s family must be approved by the Sangamon County Commission.
“This settlement is part of an ongoing effort to address the tragic death of Sonya Massey in Sangamon County. In addition to this agreement, the county will improve its policies and practices through a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Justice. The focus is on doing this: Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter wrote in a memo for the county board, and Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said he would respond to the crisis. We are taking steps to improve, strengthen our training and build community trust.
The memo also states that the settlement does not require tax cuts and that the county will not undertake additional debts or cut services to pay the settlement.
“While prices that are not paid can regain the actions of the fraudulent former agent, this Agreement is an effort to provide some compensation to the Massey family for unimaginable losses. To ensure that tragedy never happens again,” Van Meter wrote.
Sangaman County Board member Sam Khanman said he expects a resolution to approve a settlement with Massey’s family to be approved at the board meeting Tuesday night.
“I think it’s approved and I’m happy that Sonya Massey’s family has some relief from this nightmare,” he said.
But how the county will pay is still in the air. Cahnman said he doesn’t know how the county will pay the $10 million settlement.
“The strange thing is, we have a settlement fund, and that fund only has $1.5 million,” he said.
Cahnman said how Van Meter must make the settlement clear, fulfilling his promise to avoid tax cuts, additional borrowings or service cuts.
“He hasn’t explained where this money will pay this settlement, which is what he is asking for to make it clear to the county commission before he votes Tuesday evening,” Karnman said. I did.
For Massey’s family, reconciliation is a victory in the pursuit of justice.
In a recent statement, Massey’s family said they will continue to hold many county officials accountable for the circumstances that led to her murder.
“We’re certainly going to get justice. I know. We’re certainly,” her son, Malachi Hill Massey, said weeks after the shooting.
February 12th is Massey’s 37th birthday, and her family is planning a demonstration at the state capitol that day.
The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office last month US Department of Justice It’s been two years, but the future of that agreement is uncertain. Civil Rights Agreement The end of the Biden administration is currently under review by President Trump’s Justice Department officials.
Meanwhile, a coalition of county board members sent a letter to the Massey Committee, a civil panel formed in response to Massey’s murder – to the Illinois Attorney General or Illinois State Police, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office I’ll ask you to investigate. I believe that the Department of Justice Agreement is appropriate or will be enforced. The committee will address that request at its next meeting on February 10th.
