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Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell has spoken on the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, which occurred at the hands of his ex-deputy Sean Grayson. Additionally, the sheriff has addressed calls from the community, and Massey’s father, to resign from his position.
According to CNN, Sheriff Campbell addressed Massey’s death on Monday, July 29. The sheriff reportedly attended a “community meeting” held at a church in the same town where Massey resided: Springfield, Illinois.
“[Sonya Massey] called for help and we failed,” he told attendees.
Sheriff Jack Campbell reportedly explained that he and his officers did not do their jobs.
“We did not do our jobs. We failed Sonya. We failed Sonya’s family and friends. We failed the community,” he added.
According to The State Journal-Register, the sheriff reportedly became emotional at the community meeting. Additionally, WAND-TV reports that Campbell even asked “forgiveness” from the community.
“…I stand here today with my arms wide open and ask for forgiveness. I ask Ms. Massey and her family for forgiveness. I offer up no excuses. What I do is offer our attempt to do better. To be better,” he said.
Furthermore, the outlet notes that Campbell even addressed community calls for him to step down as sheriff.
“You all are the reason I ran for sheriff, my commitment to you has never wavered,” he explained. “I cannot step down, I will not abandon the sheriff’s office in the most critical moment that would solve nothing… I vow to listen and learn.”
CNN notes that the Sangamon Sheriff’s Office addressed the fatal incident earlier this month. However, WAND-TV notes that Monday’s meeting was the first time Sheriff Campbell has addressed the public on the incident.
Monday’s community meeting arrives just a few days after an official autopsy report for Sonya Massey was released. According to WGLT, the report was released on Friday, July 26.
“The autopsy confirms what everybody already knows from the video,” reknowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump explained at a press conference that day. “This was just a senseless, unnecessary excessive use of force. Completely unnecessary, certainly not justified.”
Massey’s autopsy reportedly revealed that out of the multiple shots fired by Grayson, Massey was killed by a gunshot which struck her “just under her left eye.” Furthermore, the autopsy notes that “traces of gabapentin,” which reportedly is a medication “to treat seizures and nerve pain” was found in her system.
As The Shade Room previously reported, the fatal shooting of Massey occurred on July 6 when Grayson and another deputy responded to a call to her home. Upon her invitiation, the officers entered the residence. However, things quickly esclated as Massey went to remove a pot of boiling water from her stove and Grayson threatened to shoot her in the face.
The officer ultimately fired multiple shots at Massey.
Since the shooting, Grayson’s bodycam footage has surfaced showing the moments after the incident and his dispararing comments about Massey.
Additionally, Massey’s father, James Wilburn, called for Sheriff Campbell to resign from his position, per The Shade Room. The father has also alleged that details of his daughter’s shooting was not immediately unclear while Massey’s son, Malachi Hill, explained that he was never contacted by the Sangamon Police Department, per The Shade Room.
Meanwhile, Sean Grayson has been terminated from the police force and charged with counts of first-degree murder, per The Shade Room. At this time, Massey’s family is currently accepting donations via GoFundMe.
“…The outpouring of love and support has been tremendous, but our family needs financial support as we fight for justice,” the campaign’s description reads. “Our family will likely need mental health counseling and support, money for travel costs and money for household support as we miss work to pursue justice for Sonya Massey.”
To date, the campaign has raised over $430,000 out of a $500,000 goal.
