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Sonya Massey Information

Monday August 12 - Media Response

  • Could you explain why officials have been unable to confirm whether or not Sonya Massey is the one who made this call from her mother's house? 

No name was given by the caller at the time of the call phone to the 9-1-1 Dispatcher.  The officer who responded to the address noted that the person he met with did not speak to him.  So while it is believed to have been Ms. Massey, I can make no absolute confirmation. - Chris Mueller, 911 Director


Thursday August 8 – Media Responses 

  • Does Sangamon County Sheriff's Office use the ILETSB professional conduct database?

Yes

  • Was former Deputy Grayson fired from a previous law enforcement job. 

Grayson was not fired from a previous law enforcement job, which is verifiable through a review of his personnel file and documents and statements provided to Sangamon County by his previous employers. Former employers described Grayson as a "great guy" and indicated they would rehire him. The only recommendation provided to Sangamon County was that Grayson needed more training because he was a young officer. Consequently, he was sent to a 16-week academy as mandated within the office for all lateral transfers.


Wednesday August 7 – Media Responses 

  • Has former deputy Grayson been referred to LETSBE for emergency decertification?

Yes

  • Why did the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office respond to Sonya’s 911 call on July 6 and not the Springfield Police Department?  

There were three other calls that occurred over the two day period preceding the July 6th OIS call. 

July 4th - evening call at Ms. Massey's mother's house, which was in the jurisdiction of the Springfield Police Department (SPD);

July 5th - morning call at Ms. Massey's mother's house which was again in the jurisdiction of the SPD;

July 5th - noon hour call at Ms. Massey's house, which was in SCSO's jurisdiction;

July 6th - early morning hours call (OIS) at Ms. Massey's house, which was in SCSO's jurisdiction. 


Monday August 5 – Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Field Case Reports from July 6, 2024


Monday August 5 – Media Responses

  • Is background information provided by dispatchers to cops/deputies before heading to an address a useful resource to help them prepare for a call?   

Useful yes, but not practical.  Researching each call history would take time.  The 9-1-1 system is predicated on providing the fastest assistance possible to the caller in need.  Most would not wish delays when they call 9-1-1 to report a prowler. –Chris Mueller, 911 Director

  • Why wouldn’t a dispatcher always provide background on previous calls linked to an address? 

We have a system where alerts can be placed into our system, but there are stringent rules for doing so.  A person may voluntarily have a medical alert attached to their residence, but neither 9-1-1 nor law enforcement have the credentials needed to place a label of any kind of mental health issue on any individual, let alone an alert.  Chris Mueller, 911 Director

  • How often does law enforcement request dispatch to read them off call history and details?

That is an unknown that I cannot quantify.  A prowler call would not be a very likely candidate for such a request. Chris Mueller, 911 Director

  • What is a "voluntary alert”? 

If a person wishes to share their medical concerns to responders, they may voluntarily have an alert placed upon their residence. - Chris Mueller, 911 Director 

  • Who places it? 

Our 9-1-1 Center enters them once received. - Chris Mueller, 911 Director

  •  What's the criteria for placing one? 

Voluntary alerts usually entail something that the person thinks might be helpful for responders to know before they arrive (i.e. on oxygen, diabetic, behavioral issues, etc.) - Chris Mueller, 911 Director

  • Why wasn't one placed in this case? 

As it is voluntary, the person or a caretaker with authority must voluntarily place that alert. The 9-1-1 Center cannot arbitrarily place alerts on citizens’ addresses.
As a note, the call history and alerts apply to locations (specific addresses) only, not individuals.  - Chris Mueller, 911 Director 


Friday August 2 - Media Response

On July 6, Sean Grayson and another Sangamon County sheriff's deputy responded to a 911 call from Sonya Massey. A day earlier, her mother called 911 and informed dispatchers that Sonya was experiencing a mental breakdown but was not suicidal and did not pose a threat to herself or others. However, this information was not relayed to the deputies who responded to Sonya's call. What is the policy in Sangamon County for sharing information from prior 911 calls with responding officers? Why was the information from Sonya Massey’s mother's 911 call on July 5 not communicated to the deputies who responded to Sonya Massey’s 911 call on July 6?

We have a call volume, different silos, different shifts, and different employees working different days and hours. Thus, the 9-1-1 Dispatcher is likely not going to have been the same who answered or dispatched a previous call at a given location.  Even then, linking every call to a previous one is not something that can be readily researched.  

While our CAD makes call history at an address available, it merely gives data point(s) that would need to be opened and scoured for information.  This is typically done when a voluntary alert has been placed on the address or when the responders specifically ask. 

In this instance, the earlier call referenced occurred at a different location which was in a different law enforcement jurisdiction (Springfield Police Department as opposed to the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office) thus negating an address and jurisdictional nexus to the call involving the OIS. – Chris Mueller, 911 Director


Wednesday July 31 - Sheriff Jack Campbell's Statement on the Release of Sean Grayson's Personnel File

As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office has released the personnel file of former Deputy Sean Grayson.

Contained within this document, you will find applications, references, and reviews from Grayson’s previous employers. It also includes all training records, highlighting the 16-week additional training he completed before serving as a deputy in Sangamon County. A nationwide criminal background check was conducted, revealing only the previously disclosed DUIs. Due to federal law, we are unable to release this document.

I want to provide clarity on several points:

There are different types of discharge from military service. Grayson received a general discharge under honorable conditions from the Army. The “serious misconduct” listed in his discharge, as I understood from a letter provided by a commanding officer, was his first DUI. Past DUI convictions are not disqualifying criteria for a deputy. We recognize that individuals can change and improve over time.

Grayson’s employment history shows that he was employed by five different law enforcement agencies prior to applying to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. This is a standard career path in this field. What I prefer to see is movement to progressively larger and more structured agencies with higher levels of public interaction, which indicates professional growth and ambition.

Grayson’s personnel file includes references from people I know well. Normally, I seek such references and give more credence to those from individuals I trust and know to have integrity. Their insights are invaluable in making informed hiring decisions.

No other law enforcement agency reported problems with Grayson before we hired him. Among the comments from his prior employers was that he "needed more training." This is not unusual for deputies with Grayson’s experience, and is standard procedure for Sangamon County deputies. Grayson was subsequently sent to a 16-week academy training, a requirement for all new and lateral transfer deputies in our office.

I must also emphasize that standards for employment in law enforcement have evolved over time. Agencies, including ours, have adjusted requirements related to education, criminal history, past drug use, tattoos, and personal appearance and grooming to reflect current societal norms and enhance applicant diversity. 

There are still additional files under legal review for medical and other reasons. However, I am determined to release everything and have actively encouraged it. Our commitment is to maintain open communication and trust with the community by making all relevant information readily accessible.


Wednesday July 31 - Release Sean Grayson's Personnel File


Wednesday July 31 - Media Responses

  • How many members serve on the Deputy Merit Commission? 

Five.  Link to State Statutes

  • Is the July 4 call from the redacted address and number believed by SCSO to be from Sonya Massey? Can you confirm whether it was from the same phone number or if there’s a belief that the caller was her? 

Unfortunately, I cannot confirm that (not because I know and not at liberty to say, but because this is all the information I have as well). - Chris Mueller, 911 Director 

  • Is mobile crisis the Springfield Police Department mobile crisis unit? If not, what agency is that unit with? 

No, it is not part of any Law Enforcement agency.  It is part of the Memorial Behavioral Health system: https://memorial.health/medical-services/behavioral-health/ - Chris Mueller, 911 Director 

  • Can you confirm that MBH stands for mental and behavioral health? In the service detail report, police officer wrote that Sonya spoke with MBH who are those people? Is this mobile crisis? 

MBH stands for Memorial Behavioral Health and yes, they have the Mobile Crisis Unit.- Chris Mueller, 911 Director 

  • If you have this information – is it known how many times Massey made service calls or had contact with law enforcement in the last month, couple of months or this year? 

These are all of the incidents that I could locate for the months of “May, June, and July of 2024” pursuant to another’s FOIA request.  That is not to say there are not any, but looking people up by name is the least effective way of locating incidents.  Emergency Dispatchers enter preliminary information only, and may spell a name in a common manner while the proper name may be spelled differently (i.e. Chris vs Kris) thus making a name query unreliable. Additionally, it could be a third party calling in an incident or a caller who refuses to identify themselves.  The Responders may write reports with correct info, but that does not mean it makes its way back to the CAD system.  We do not house Responder agencies’reports. - Chris Mueller, 911 Director 


Wednesday July 31 - First Responders' Communications, Supplemental from July 6 12:50AM


Wednesday July 31 - 911 Calls and First Responders' Communications from July 5th 12:49PM


Wednesday July 31 - 911 Calls and First Responders' Communications from July 5th 9:07AM


Wednesday July 31 - 911 Calls and First Responders' Communications from July 4th 9:27PM


Friday July 26 - Media Responses #2

  • Has the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council filed a grievance over the termination of Sean Grayson? 

Yes  Grievance Form

  • How does the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office respond to records and documents discovered in a Logan County FOIA? 

The Sheriff’s Office was not provided with the information noted in the Logan County FOIA Response.

We were not provided any such information from any of Grayson’s former employers, nor from any crediting agency.

We cannot comment on whether the information is accurate, nor why it was not shared by another agency.
 


Friday July 26 - Coroner Jim Allmon Releases Sonya Massey's Autopsy Report


Friday July 26 - Media Responses

  • Was the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office ever confused about whether the incident was self-inflicted, or not?

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office was not confused about whether the incident was self-inflicted. We are aware that the phrase “self-inflicted” was used by radio dispatchers and others at certain times. Those on the scene knew the cause of death, and former Deputy Grayson clearly stated at least twice in the body cam video that he was the shooter. 

  • How do you address claims made by the family that, calling the incident self-inflicted was an attempt to cover up the shooting of Sonya Massey? 

The Sheriff’s Office has not referred to the incident as being self-inflicted.  While we are aware that the phrase “self-inflicted” was used, we understood it to be a question by dispatchers initially.  No cover-up has occurred. The Sheriff’s office contacted the Illinois State Police and requested that they initiate and take over the investigation of the incident even before Ms. Massey was reported to have died. According to our records, this was requested at 1:42 am on July 6, 2024.  The Sheriff’s Office shared all information requested by ISP. 

The immediate action of the Sheriff's Office in turning this case over to the Illinois State Police reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability. The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office is calling on the Illinois State Police to investigate the claims surrounding the scanner audio that incorrectly suggested a self-inflicted cause of death. We owe it to the community and to Ms. Massey's family to ensure complete transparency.

  • When was the family told that Sonya Massey was killed by a Deputy?

We do not know when the family was told that Sonya Massey was killed by a deputy.  As noted above, the Sheriff’s Office requested that ISP initiate and handle an independent investigation at 1:42 am, which is before we were advised that Ms. Massey had passed.  Per standard protocol, ISP would take over all aspects of the investigation, including identifying family and providing them with all information they felt should be shared at the time. The Sheriff’s Office was not involved in the ISP investigation.

  • When will Grayson's application, personnel file, and prior complaints be released? 

Grayson’s personnel file has been requested under FOIA. We will post all documents released pursuant to that request soon.

  • Why did Sheriff Jack Campbell hire a person with two DUIs? 

Through our current hiring process,  Grayson’s application was reviewed and sent to a Merit Commission for review and certification.  The Merit Commission certified Grayson for hire. He was also interviewed by more than one person. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) reviewed the information, which included the DUI convictions. ILETSB certified Grayson for hire and advised that he had been certified several times in the past despite the history of the DUIs.  Grayson passed a drug test, criminal background check, and psychological evaluation and graduated from a 16-week training academy before serving as a Sangamon County Deputy. 


Wednesday July 24 - Media Responses

  • Was the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office aware of Grayson's discharge from the Army for serious misconduct?  

"The Sheriff's office had a copy of Deputy Grayson's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty which states that Grayson was given a general honorable discharge from the military.  We also had a letter from Grayson's commanding officer attached with our response. The Sheriff's Office understood that the serious misconduct referenced in these documents was a DUI. We were aware of the DUI at the time of hire." Sheriff Jack Campbell

  • Did the Coroner's office ever believe, or were they told, that Sonya Massey died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound?

"No." Coroner Jim Allmon


Tuesday July 23 - 911 Calls and First Responders' Communications from July 6 12:50AM

9-1-1 Call 1 - 12.49.44 hrs
SCSO Radio Ch 1 - 01.00.47 - 01.38.35 hrs - Redacted
9-1-1 Call 2 - 01.12.30 hrs
SCCDS Call to Unk - 01.14.49 hrs
SCCDS Callback to 9-1-1 Caller - 01.17.46 hrs
SFD Radio - 01.21.19 - 01.50.24 hrs
SPD Radio Ch. 1 - 01.21.19 hrs - 01.26.40 hrs
CMED Radio - 01.21.21 - 01.23.16 hrs
ISP Call to SCCDS - 01.22.26 hrs
SFD Station Page - 01.21.36 - 1.22.22 hrs
Unk Call to SCCDS - 01.22.35 hrs
SCSO Dispatcher Call to SCCDS Dispatcher - 01.27.11 hrs
SCSO Radio Ch 5 - 01.28.56 - 02.03.42 hrs
SCSO Call to SCCDS - 01.35.54 hrs
SCCDS Call to America Ambulance - 01.39.31 hrs
SCSO Call to SCCDS - 01.40.08 hrs
SCCDS Call to ISP - 01.41.00 hrs
ISP Call to SCCDS - 01.47.44 hrs
ISP Call to SCCDS - 01.53.12 hrs
SJH Call to SCCDS - 01.54.22 hrs
SCCDS Call to SJH - 01.55.58 hrs
Unk Call to SCCDS - 01.58.08 hrs
SCCDS Call to Coroner - 01.59.08 hrs
SCCDS Supervisor to SCCDS - 04.54.47 hrs - Redacted


Tuesday July 23 - Media Responses

  • Can Sangamon County confirm that the Department of Justice has opened an Investigation into the Massey case?

“We do not know if the DOJ has opened an investigation. But if they have, we welcome it and will fully cooperate.” – Sheriff Jack Campbell


Monday July 22 - Coroner Releases Cause and Manner of Death. 

The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, has concluded the investigation into the cause and manner of death regarding Sonya Massey 36, of Springfield.

The cause of death; gunshot wound of the head. The manner of death; Homicide.

The death certificate will now be filed with the local registrar. No other information is available at this time.


Monday July 22 – Statement from Jack Campbell Regarding the Body Warn Camera Video Release

The Body Worn Camera footage has now been released, and the public can see what we saw: Sonya Massey lost her life due to an unjustifiable and reckless decision by former Deputy Sean Grayson.

Grayson had other options available that he should have used. His actions were inexcusable and do not reflect the values or training of our office. He will now face judgment by the criminal justice system and will never again work in law enforcement. Ms. Massey needlessly lost her life, and her family deserves answers. I trust the legal process will provide them.

This incident does not reflect the values or actions of our law enforcement community. It was a tragic decision made by an individual who had the training, tools, and experience to know better. We are committed to upholding a standard that prevents such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Thank you.

Sheriff Jack Campbell


Monday July 22 – Body Warn Camera Video Release

On behalf of Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is posting the body worn camera (BWC) video from the officer-involved shooting of Ms. Sonya Massey on July 6, 2024. The release of this video is occurring after consultation with the family of Sonya Massey.

“My prayers are with the family of Sonya Massey, and I commend the Illinois State Police for conducting an expedited investigation into her tragic death,” said State’s Attorney Milhiser. “The State’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to pursuing justice through the prosecution of this case.”

On July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield. Former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy made contact with the caller, Sonya Massey, at her residence. During the interaction inside the home of Ms. Massey, former Deputy Grayson discharged his firearm striking Ms. Massey and killing her. The Illinois State Police were contacted to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.

The investigation was conducted in an expedited timeframe and was first evaluated under Illinois law for the use of deadly force. After a review of the ISP investigation, the State’s Attorney determined the evidence did not support a finding that former Deputy Sean Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force, and the case was presented to a Sangamon County Grand Jury. On July 17, 2024, the Grand Jury returned a five-count indictment including three counts of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Official Misconduct. On July 17, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued, and Grayson was taken into custody. He remains in custody.

In accordance with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office’s and ISP’s commitment to integrity and public transparency, and pursuant to the Illinois FOIA, the BWC footage of the shooting is being made available to the public and can be found by clicking Google Drive link or Rumble link.

The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


Friday July 19 – Media Responses

  • How long was Grayson employed by Sangamon County?

Grayson was hired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2023. 

  • How many years of experience did Grayson have before joining Sangamon County? 

Grayson had two years and nine months of combined full and part-time experience before being hired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. He has worked in law enforcement since 08/2020.

  •  Was the County aware of the 2 DUIs before Grayson was hired?

All potential Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office employees undergo a criminal background check. 

  • Where did Grayson work before joining Sangamon County?

Directly prior to joining the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, Grayson was employed by the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.

  •  Was Grayson fired from a prior police job?

All employees undergo a background check. To our knowledge, Grayson had not been fired from a prior law enforcement job.

  • Prior to this incident, had any use of force complaints been filed against Grayson?

Grayson had no use of force complaints or citizen complaints while employed as a Sangamon County Deputy. And, to our knowledge, Grayson had no complaints filed against him at prior law enforcement jobs.


Wednesday July 17 - Statement from County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter Regarding the Former Deputy’s Indictment

Sonya Massey’s murder is a tragedy that reverberates in multiple dimensions.  We are powerless to right this wrong. But we can seek justice for the victim and for the community. I have the highest degree of confidence that Sheriff Jack Campbell and State’s Attorney John Milhiser will do their utmost to achieve the community’s collective will that justice be done. 

We must not let the tragic decision of one individual besmirch our highly trained and dedicated law enforcement officers.  We must redouble our efforts to guard against the recurrence of such a tragedy.


Wednesday July 17 - Statement from Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell Regarding the Former Deputy’s Indictment

First and foremost, my heart breaks for the family and friends of Sonya Massey. This is a tragic incident, and we mourn with them and the community.

Immediately upon notification of the shooting, I contacted the Illinois State Police and asked them to conduct the investigation. This tragic incident deserved an independent, swift, and thorough review. I asked the ISP to proceed rapidly but thoroughly, and they have done just that. I thank them for their service, and the service they have provided for our community.

The investigation into the shooting on July 6, 2024, is now complete. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney has filed charges against the deputy involved in the fatal shooting of Ms. Massey. It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. Therefore, Sean Grayson’s employment with the Sheriff's Office has been terminated. It is my understanding that the body cam videos will be released on Monday, July 22nd; I completely support the release of the officers’ body cam videos in their entirety. 

The actions taken by Deputy Grayson do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement as a whole. Good law enforcement officers stand with our community in condemning actions that undermine the trust and safety we strive to uphold. In times like these, it is crucial for leadership across all sides and spectrums to come together to heal our community.

We are committed to justice and accountability. With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences. Our office will continue to cooperate fully with the criminal proceedings as this case moves forward. We must continue to trust our justice system and the legal process, and work together as a community so the actions of one person does not divide us.


Wednesday July 17 - Sangamon County deputy indicted in shooting death of Sonya Massey

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser announces an update on the investigation into the death of Sonya Massey. On July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield. Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson and another deputy made contact with the caller, Sonya Massey, at her residence. During the interaction inside the home of Sonya Massey, Deputy Grayson discharged his firearm striking Ms. Massey and killing her.

The Illinois State Police were immediately contacted by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department to conduct an investigation into the shooting. The State's Attorney's Office worked closely with the Illinois State Police to ensure a thorough investigation, which was conducted in an expedited time-frame. This case was first evaluated under Illinois Law for the use of deadly force. A review of the Illinois State Police investigation, including the body-worn camera footage, does not support a finding that Deputy Sean Grayson was justified in his use of deadly force. The case was presented to a Sangamon County Grand Jury and the Grand Jury returned a five-count indictment on July 17, 2024. The criminal charges against Grayson are First Degree Murder (in 3 counts), Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Official Misconduct.

Today, the family of Sonya Massey met in the State's Attorney's Office with prosecutors and the State Police for an update on the investigation and to allow them to view the body-worn camera footage. After consultation with the family, the body-worn camera footage from the incident will be released at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024. Nothing has been redacted, except for the blurring of certain images, which was done out of respect for Ms. Massey and her family.

The defendant is currently in custody. He will make his first court appearance on July 18, 2024 when he will be arraigned on the charges. The State's Attorney's Office will be filing a petition to detain the defendant, pursuant to the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, and a detention hearing will be held after his arraignment.


Wednesday July 10 - Illinois State Police Announce Investigation into Officer Involved Shooting Continues

The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues its investigation into an officer involved shooting at the request of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. 

On July 6, 2024 at approximately 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield. During the incident, 36-year-old Sonya Massey was shot and later pronounced deceased at an area hospital.  

ISP is collaborating closely with the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office to conduct a timely, comprehensive, and transparent investigation. In order to protect the integrity of the legal process and the right to a fair trial in the event charges are filed, the body worn camera video and additional information related to the incident are not being released at this time. When appropriate, additional information, including the video, will be shared with Sonya Massey's family before releasing further. 


Monday July 8 - Coroner Confirms Deaths of Sonya Massey

The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, can confirm the death of Sonya Massey, 36, of Springfield. Ms. Massey was transported by EMS from her residence in the 2800 block of South Hoover Avenue in Springfield to HSHS St. John’s Hospital’s emergency room where she was pronounced deceased at 1:47am on July 6th. An autopsy was performed today and preliminary findings show Ms. Massey died from a gunshot wound. 

The death remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Sangamon County Coroner.


Monday July 8 - Media Responses

  • Was the victim shot by deputies?

Yes.

  • Is there police body camera video? If so, when do you anticipate it being released?

Yes, there is Body Camera Video. Questions on release directed to the Illinois State Police

  • Are the deputies involved on any type of leave during the investigation?

The deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the ISP investigation. 


Saturday July 6 - Media Responses

  • Were the shots fired by sheriff's deputies?

Yes


Saturday July 6 - Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Announces Deputy Involved Shooting 

At approximately 12:50 a.m. on July 6, 2024, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a residence in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield following a 911 call reporting a prowler.

Upon arrival, two Deputies conducted a search of the area. At approximately 1:21 a.m., the Deputies reported that shots had been fired, resulting in a female being struck by gunfire. Deputies immediately administered first aid until EMS arrived. The woman was transported to St. John’s Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. No deputies were injured during the incident.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has requested the Illinois State Police conduct an independent investigation into the matter.

At this time, no further information is available. All inquiries should be directed to the Illinois State Police Zone 4 Investigations.


Saturday July 6 – Timeline of Sheriff’s Office Actions

Time of Call – 12:50AM

Shots Fired – 1:21 AM

Sheriff’s Office leadership notified of deputy involved shooting - 1:27 AM

Sheriff’s Office requests an independent Illinois State Police Investigation – 1:42 AM

Sonya Massey pronounced deceased – 1:47 AM