Springfield bridge to be renamed, decorated with mural to honor Sonya Massey

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A bridge in Springfield may be dedicated to Sonya Massey, thanks to the support of the Springfield City Council.

The pedestrian bridge over Clearlake Avenue and Jefferson Street has already been painted with a mural by Alex Wells, and now city leaders are working to add more murals on the bridge to remember her and officially designate the bridge as Massey Memorial Bridge.

Sonya Massey was killed July 6 after she called 911 for reports of a “prowler.” Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson shot her in the head in her house when Massey attempted to move a pot of boiling water from her stove. The shooting captured in body camera footage of her murder made national headlines this summer.

Grayson is charged with first-degree murder, but he has since pleaded not guilty in court.

The vote for changing the name of the bridge at the Springfield Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday evening was unanimous.

Sonya’s mom, Donna Massey, was in attendance, and Alderwoman Erin Conley of Ward 8 addressed her after voting yes to the measure.

“This is a very small gesture in terms of everything, but we’re honored to have her name as a part of our city, and keep her in our thoughts and our hearts,” she said.

Alderman Roy Williams Jr. of Ward 3 added he looks forward to beautifying the bridge.

The full ordinance can be found below.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.