Sonya Massey Update: Sangamon County Sheriff Promises To Retire

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Activists In New York Protest Police Killing Of Sonya Massey
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 28: Demonstrators with signs protest the killing of Sonya Massey by a Springfield, Illinois sheriff’s deputy, in Washington Square Park on July 28, 2024 in New York City. Massey was shot at home in the head by Sean Grayson, a Sangamon County, Illinois deputy after she called the police to report a possible prowler. Grayson has been arrested, sparking protests around the country demanding justice for Massey's death. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Jack Campbell had been the subject of increased calls to step down, including from the governor of Illinois.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, embroiled in controversy following the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey on July 6, said he is stepping down. Campbell, who has been sheriff since 2018, is retiring no later than Aug. 31, he said in a statement on August 9. Former county deputy Sean P. Grayson has been charged with Massey's murder. He pleaded not guilty and remains in custody after again being denied pre-trial release.

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter has final say in naming an interim replacement. Campbell's second in command is Chief Deputy Anthony Mayfield. Calls for Campbell's resignation had come from many sides, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Campbell previously refused to resign, saying it would be "irresponsible." Massey's family members also called for him to be let go. In a statement provided, Pritzker hoped a fresh start with new leadership "will usher in a new era of reform and rebuilt the trust lost between the Sangamon County community and sheriff's office. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Campbell's retirement "marks a turning point in the ongoing pursuit of justice for Sonya Massey."

Sheriff Jack Campbell To Retire After Murder Of Sonya Massey

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 30: Donna Massey, the mother of shooting victim Sonya Massey, wipes away tears during a press conference at New Mount Pilgrim Church on July 30, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Sonya Massey was shot in the head and killed in her home by Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson after she called police to report a possible prowler. Grayson, 30, who has since been fired by the department, was indicted by an Illinois grand jury. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Since Sean Grayson's arrest for Sonya Massey's death, questions have arose about how he got multiple opportunities as a police officer. He worked for six different agencies in four years. Grayson, while still enlisted in the U.S. Army, had two DUI convictions. Army. Grayson's discharge from the Army noted a "serious misconduct," which Campbell interpreted as his DUI charges. The file did not detail what the misconduct was. In 2022, a woman accused him of sexual harassment while on the job. He denies any wrongdoing.

Campbell previously said he felt Grayson "betrayed" members of the sheriff's department. Campbell said the department "failed the community." at a U.S. Department of Justice hearing in Springfield last month. "We failed Sonya, we failed Sonya's family and friends." In his statement, he said: "I was overwhelmingly elected to lead the Sheriff’s Office through both good times and bad. I am fully prepared to continue leading my office and serving the residents of Sangamon County through this difficult period, ensuring we learn from this tragedy and work toward a better future." Grayson's next criminal hearing is on August 26.

About The Author
Devin Morton is an intern at HotNewHipHop from Queens, New York. He started with HNHH in July 2024. He has a passion for all things hip-hop, as well as a knowledge of sports (especially basketball), pop culture, and current events.
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