Sonya Massey’s family reaches $10 million settlement with Sangamon County over fatal shooting
Chicago (CBS) – Sangamon County officials have reached a $10 million settlement with their families Sonia MessiHe called the post-911 last year and was shot dead by the sheriff’s deputy last year.
County officials negotiated through mediation by mediation by mediating a “extensive confidential discussion” between lawyers in the county and the attorneys of Messi’s family.
36-year-old Massey is Shooting and killing her home July 6, 2024 near Springfield.
Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy and other officers responded to Massey’s 911 call on Massey when a potential prowler outside Grayson at her home Massey was shot and killed in the kitchen, when she checked a pot of boiling water in her kitchen while saying, “I rebuke you,” in the name of Jesus. ”
Grayson later said he felt threatened by her, but he was opened by the sheriff’s office Accused of first-degree murderaggravated the battery and official misconduct of Messi’s death. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was still in jail. But fighting in court to be released from detention While he awaits trial.
A $10 million settlement with Massey’s family must be approved by the Sangamon County Board.
“This settlement is part of the ongoing efforts of Sangamon County to resolve the tragic death of Sonya Massey. In addition to this agreement, the county is committed to improving its policies through a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. and practice. Andy Van Meter, chairman of the Sangamon County Board of Directors, wrote in a memorandum of the county council: “Preparation of measures to improve crisis response, strengthen training and build community trust. ”
The memorandum also states that the settlement agreement will not require any tax increase and the county will not assume any additional debt or reduce any service payment settlement costs.
“There is no cost to recapture the actions of the former rogue representatives, but the agreement is intended to provide some compensation to the Messi family to compensate them for their unimaginable losses. The county remains committed to working with the community to strengthen policy, Strengthen try and try and try. To ensure that such a tragedy will never happen again.”
Sam Cahnman, a member of the Sangaman County Board of Directors, said he hopes the resolution will be approved for a settlement with Messi’s family at a board meeting Tuesday night.
“I think it will be approved and I’m glad Sonya Massey’s family will now get some relief from this nightmare,” he said.
But how the county will pay is still in the air. Kahnman said he was not sure how the county would afford the $10 million settlement.
“What’s strange is that we have a settlement fund that has only $1.5 million,” he said.
Kahnman said Van Mitt would have to clarify how to make a solution while fulfilling its commitment to avoid taxes, additional borrowing or cutting services.
“He hasn’t explained where the payment is paying for the settlement, and that’s something I asked him to reveal to the county board and we vote on it Tuesday night,” Kahnman said.
For Messi’s family, settlement is a victory in pursuing justice.
In a recent statement, Messi’s family said they will continue to be responsible for the circumstances leading to the murder.
“We will definitely get justice. Of course I am,” her son, Malachi Hill-Massey, said a few weeks after the shooting.
February 12 will be Massey’s 37th birthday, and her family is planning to hold a demonstration at the state capitol that day.
The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office agreed last month by U.S. Department of Justice For two years, the future of the agreement is uncertain. Civil Rights Agreement President Trump’s Justice Department officials are reviewing the Biden administration arrives at the end.
Meanwhile, a coalition of county board members has sent a letter to the Massey Commission – a civic group formed in response to the Massey murder – demanding them The Illinois Attorney General or Illinois State Police are asked to investigate Sangamon County Sheriff’s office, saying they are not suitable to believe that the Department of Justice agreement is sufficient or will be enforced. The Commission will resolve the request at its next meeting on 10 February.
