First time since Sonya Massey shooting, frustrated residents voice opinions to county board members

SANGAMON COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Downstate residents Tuesday night had their first opportunity to speak to elected officials since the police killing of Sonya Massey.

Springfield area residents packed a county board meeting , the first since the incident and the subsequent announcement that Sheriff Jack Campbell was retiring.

Many, including the governor, were calling for Campbell’s resignation over the hiring of Deputy Sean Grayson. He was caught on body camera video shooting Sonya Massey in the face and was later charged with murder.

“His resignation is not enough,” one woman said.

“Call upon the county members to push for strengthening laws around officer screenings, ensuring transparent budgeting and reallocating funds to improve training,” another woman said at the meeting.

Some spoke about awareness of mental health issues.

Massey’s mother had said she was having a mental health episode at the time she was shot.

A pastor, Rev. Susan Phillips, told board members the Black “community is traumatized.”

She said, “We are scared. We are angry.”

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