Illinois Sheriff Abruptly Retires Following Shooting Death Of Sonya Massey

The sheriff of Sangamon County retired abruptly Friday, only weeks after one of his deputies fatally shot Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who was unarmed.

Jack Campbell said in a statement Friday afternoon, “The tragic death of Sonya Massey has been a heartbreaking event for our community.” He did not accept any blame for what had happened, but said, “Some individuals would rather see our community divided and in turmoil, than allow me to continue serving as Sheriff.”

Sean Grayson, the deputy in the case, is facing first-degree murder charges.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) called for Campbell’s resignation earlier this week after Massey’s family had done so following the shooting.

Grayson shot and killed Massey on July 6 inside her home. He and another deputy arrived at her residence after an emergency call about a possible prowler outside.

Both deputies walked into Massey’s residence and asked for her identification. At one point, Grayson told Massey to turn off the kitchen stove, which had a boiling pot of water on it.

Massey went to turn off the stove and told the unidentified deputy, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus” after he said he was moving away from her and the water. Moments later, Grayson fired three shots at Massey as she crouched in fear.

Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, official misconduct, and aggravated battery with a weapon. Massey’s killing renewed calls for police reform legislation from elected officials with the reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act.