Sangamon Co. announces commission to address systemic issues after Sonya Massey’s death; volunteers wanted

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Sangamon County is creating a commission to get the community’s voice on how the government can prevent another tragedy after the death of Sonya Massey last month.

Former deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Sean Grayson was charged with first degree murder for killing Sonya Massey last month. Body camera footage showed that Grayson shot Massey in the head after she moved a pot of hot water off of her stove. Grayson pleaded not guilty.

The announcement of the new group came Friday morning. County officials said the purpose for the commission is to “address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations” and come up with tangible solutions to implement in the county.

County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said he has been working with Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) to come up with solutions since last month, and the latest board meeting affirmed the idea for the commission.

“The consistent advice has been: Careful listening, absolute transparency, and a firm resolve to adopt best practices,” Van Meter said. “Many of the thoughtful comments at Tuesday’s County Board meeting confirm the wisdom of this advice.”

Sangamon County also announced the three co-chairs for the commission: Dr. Jerry Kruse, the Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine; Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, the pastor of Union Baptist Church; and Nina Harris, the chair of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion. The rest of the commission will be comprised of a diverse group of volunteers from the county.

Sonya Massey’s family approved of the commission’s creation.

“We applaud the creation of this Commission, which is charged with rigorously examining the policies, practices, and responses that have too often led to horrific injustice and tragedy,” they said in a statement with their lawyer Ben Crump. “Efforts like these go beyond addressing past injustice –– they help create a future where the relationship between law enforcement and the communities it serves is one of trust and mutual respect, and where every individual is treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve. We are confident that this Commission will help us honor the memories of Sonya Massey and all those who have suffered at the hands of unjust, and all-too-often-fatal practices, ensuring that their legacies are signified by lasting and meaningful change.”

Anyone interested in applying for the commission can fill out an application on the county’s website. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Aug. 30.

The commission is expected to get right to work with listening sessions in September. Within a year, the Massey Commission will create a comprehensive report, with outlines of its findings, recommendations, and proposed actions.

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