SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In a significant development for the family of Sonya Massey and advocates for police reform, nationally recognized civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci have announced a $10 million settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit against the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and Sangamon County. This announcement took place during a virtual news conference via ZOOM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. CT.
The lawsuit was filed following the tragic shooting death of Sonya Massey in July of 2024, involving former Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson. The settlement reflects the family’s pursuit of justice and accountability for the loss of their loved one.
During the news conference, attorneys Crump and Romanucci also highlighted the legislative efforts spearheaded by Illinois State Senator Doris Turner (D-48) and Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-27). These lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at strengthening police hiring practices, which include enhanced background checks and increased transparency in the recruitment process. The Massey family believes that such measures could have potentially identified red flags regarding the officer involved in Sonya’s death, thereby preventing similar incidents in the future.
The announcement was expected to draw attention not only to the specifics of the case but also to the broader implications for law enforcement practices in Illinois and beyond. The family of Sonya Massey, alongside their legal representatives, hopes that this settlement and the proposed legislation will contribute to meaningful change in policing standards and accountability.
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The ZOOM meeting announcing the settlement included members of the press as well as family of Sonya Massey, attorney Ben Crump, attorney Antonio Romanucci, and Illinois State Rep. Justin Slaughter.
Attorney Crump stated “As we mark Sonya’s birthday today, we are grateful for Illinois State Senator Doris Turner (D48th), who represents Sonya’s district, for introducing SB1953 and for Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-27th ), Chair of Judiciary-Criminal Committee, for introducing HB3837 last week. Both bills call for more robust background checks and the greater sharing of work history and personal history for applicants to law enforcement roles.”
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding police accountability and the urgent need for reform in law enforcement hiring practices.
