Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sangamon County has agreed to a $10 million settlement with Sonya Massey’s family following extensive negotiations. Massey was shot in her Springfield home in July 2024 by Sean Grayson, a Sangamon County deputy at the time.

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said in a statement that the agreement follows several days of confidential discussions and negotiations involving legal representatives for the county and the family. The settlement requires final approval from the county board at its meeting on Tuesday.

This settlement, Van Meter said, is part of Sangamon County’s ongoing efforts to address Massey’s tragic death. The county is also working to improve policies and practices through an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, focusing on crisis response, training, and community trust. He added the county will continue to work to ensure law enforcement and emergency response systems operate in a way, with safeguards in place, to prevent future tragedies.

As to the $10 million, Van Meter said, ” The settlement amount, while significant, takes into account county finances and the use of public dollars and acknowledges what county taxpayers can realistically afford. Due to the long-standing fiscal responsibility of Sangamon County, the settlement will not result in a tax increase, additional debt, or cuts to county services.” He added, “No price paid can take back the actions of a rogue former deputy, but this agreement is an effort to provide some measure of recompense to the Massey family for their unimaginable loss.”