Illinois sheriff admits office ‘failed’ Sonya Massey after fatal shooting by officer: ‘I ask for your forgiveness’

In his first public statement since the deadly shooting of Sonya MasseySheriff of Illinois Jack Campbell acknowledged that his office had failed to protect her.

During a community meeting at a church in Springfield, IL, on July 30, Jack Campbell Granted,

“(Sonya Massey) called for help, and we failed.”

Sonya Massey36, called 911 on July 6 to report a possible intruder in her home near Springfield. Sean Grayson and another officer responded to the call.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred while Sonya Massey was busy with a pan of boiling water.

Sonya Massey

Sean Grayson30, shot dead Massey during the meeting, after he threatened to shoot her in the face if she used the boiling water as a weapon against him.

On July 17, Sean Grayson was charged with, among other things, premeditated murder and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.

Sean Grayson

Sheriff by Jack Campbell comments came amid ongoing scrutiny and a recent investigation by the Illinois State Police, which found no justification for by Sean Grayson use of deadly force, according to Sangamon County District Attorney John Milhiser.

During the community meeting, which was facilitated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Office, Jack Campbell asked for forgiveness from by Sonya Massey family and community:

“I stand before you today, with my arms wide open, and I ask for your forgiveness… I make no apologies. What I am doing is our attempt to do better. To be better.”

The shooting has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases of police violence against black people, such as the one involving Breonna Taylor And George Floyd.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crumprepresentative Masseys family, has linked her death to broader issues of police brutality, suggesting it will have implications for the 2024 presidential election: