Illinois: House Passes Bill Requiring More Rigorous Background Checks for Police Hiring After Sonya Massey’s Death in 2024
Illinois Implements Stricter Police Background Checks Following Tragic Murder On Thursday, the Illinois House passed legislation mandating more thorough background checks for police officers before they’re hired. This move comes in the wake of the murder of Sonya Massey last July, committed by former Sangamon County Sheriff Deputy Sean Grayson. Prior to the incident, Massey […]
Illinois court orders pretrial release for deputy charged in Sonya Massey’s killing
A former deputy sheriff charged in the death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old black woman who was shot to death in her home after calling police for help, will end her first-degree murder trial, an Illinois appeals court ruled Wednesday. The court ruled that he should be released until then. . A unanimous decision by […]
Sonya Massey’s killing demands better policing, not less police
Trust continues to decline between America’s most vulnerable communities – those most in need of adequate police protection – and the police officers who serve them. Last month in Springfield, Illinois, Sonia Massey called 911 for help, only to be shot and killed in her kitchen. Corresponding DeputyThese types of shootings often result in, at […]
Records show deputy charged in Sonya Massey’s fatal shooting worked for 6 agencies in 4 years
The former sheriff’s deputy charged with shooting and killing Sonia Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who was shot to death in her Illinois home, had worked for six police agencies since 2020, according to state law enforcement records. Shawn Grayson’s career includes brief stints as a part-time officer at three small police departments in central […]