Illinois State Police via AP, File
The family of the late Sonya Massey has reportedly reached a $10 million settlement with Sangamon County officials over the shooting that led to her death.
According to CNN, a resolution notice posted by the Sangamon County Board indicates that the agreement between both entities was reached on February 3. Furthermore, the notice states that the settlement is “in the best interests of Sangamon County.”
Additionally, the resolution notes that on Tuesday, February 11, the agreement was approved by the county, “effectual[ing] and finaliz[ing] the settlement.”
Per NBC News, a press conference was held on Wednesday, February 12. The conference was reportedly hosted by the Massey family’s legal counsel, attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci.
“Its our understanding that this, by far, is the largest settlement reached in Sangamon County of any kind, let alone a civil rights case such as this one, Romanucci reportedly said. “This settlement is magnanimous, and its very relevant, and its very significant because, as Ben knows, were not in Minneapolis, were not in Memphis, were not in Louisville. Were in Sangamon County.”
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Crump also shared a few words on the settlement.
“It is bittersweet. This is our first step in getting full justice for Sonya Massey… We want civil accountability, criminal culpability, and we want legislative changes. We want the laws to prevent something like this from happening again,” he said.
Per the outlet, the attorneys noted that the settlement will “go to Masseys two teenage children” and her family.
Social media users reacted to the news of the $10 million settlement between Sonya Massey’s family and Sangamon County officials in The Shade Room’s comment section.
While Instagram user @theajzone added, “I was thinking AT LEAST 100 Million.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Sonya Massey called the police to her home on July 6, 2024, reporting a suspected intrusion. Once Officer Sean P. Grayson and another unidentified officer arrived, they reportedly assessed Massey as “calm, perhaps unwell” but “not aggressive.”
Despite this, when Massey went to remove a pot of boiling water from her stove, Officer Grayson shot her three times.
Afterward, body cam footage captured Grayson referring to Massey as “crazy” and a “b****h.”
Subsequently, Tia Mowry and Solange Knowles made headlines for their reactions to the body cam footage of the fatal incident. Additionally, Massey’s son and the mother of George Floyd’s daughter shared their thoughts on the incident while more details were revealed about Massey’s prior calls to police, along with Grayson’s subsequent police report.
Per NBC News, Grayson was fired from the force and charged with first-degree murder and other offenses. He reportedly pled not guilty and remains in jail awaiting trial.
