Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell spoke about the fatal shooting of Sonia Masseythat occurred at the hands of his former deputy Sean Grayson. In addition, the sheriff responded to community calls, and Massey’s fatherto resign from his position.
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Here’s what the sheriff said about the Sonya Massey shooting
According to CNNSheriff Campbell addressed Massey’s death on Monday, July 29. The sheriff reportedly attended a “community meeting” held at a church in the same city where Massey resided: Springfield, Illinois.
“(Sonya Massey) asked for help and we failed,” he told attendees.
Sheriff Jack Campbell reportedly explained that he and his officers did not do their job.
“We failed our job. We failed Sonya. We failed Sonya’s family and friends. We failed the community,” he added.
According to The State Register-Diarythe sheriff was reportedly emotional at the community meeting. Furthermore, TV-WAND reports that Campbell even asked the community for “forgiveness.”
“…I stand here today with my arms open and I ask for forgiveness. I ask for forgiveness from Mrs. Massey and her family. I do not offer apologies. What I do is offer our attempt to do better. To be better,” he said.
Additionally, the outlet notes that Campbell even heeded community calls for him to resign as sheriff.
“You are all the reason I ran for sheriff, my commitment to you has never wavered,” he explained. “I cannot walk away, I will not abandon the sheriff’s office at the most critical time when it would not solve anything… I vow to listen and learn.”
Tonight on WAND News at 10, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell speaks to the public for the first time since his former deputy killed Sonya Massey 23 days ago. photo.twitter.com/HbeO1mwb2e
— WAND TV News (@wandtvnews) July 30, 2024
CNN notes that the Sangamon Sheriff’s Office addressed the fatal incident earlier this month. However, TV-WAND notes that Monday’s meeting was the first time Sheriff Campbell has addressed the public about the incident.
An autopsy report has been released
Monday’s community meeting comes just days after an official autopsy report on Sonya Massey was released. According to WGLTThe report was released on Friday, July 26.
“The autopsy confirms what everyone already knows from the video,” renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump explained at a press conference that day. “This was just excessive, senseless, unnecessary use of force. Completely unnecessary, certainly not justified.”
Massey’s autopsy reportedly revealed that of the multiple shots fired by Grayson, Massey was killed by a bullet that struck her “just below the left eye.” Additionally, the autopsy notes that “traces of gabapentin,” which is supposedly a medication “to treat seizures and nerve pain,” were found in her system.
See How Sonya Massey’s Family Is Moving Forward
As The Shadow Room As previously reported, Massey’s fatal shooting occurred on July 6, when Grayson and another officer responded to a call at his home. Upon his invitation, officers entered the residence. However, things quickly calmed down when Massey went to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove and Grayson threatened to shoot him in the face.
The officer ended up firing several shots at Massey.
RELATED: Tia Mowry Shares Emotional Message After Watching Bodycam Footage of Sonya Massey Shooting (WATCH)
Since the shooting, body camera footage of Grayson has emerged showing the moments after the incident and his raunchy comments about Massey.
RELATED: Solange Knowles Shares Rare Message on Social Media in Response to the Fatal Shooting of Sonya Massey
Additionally, Massey’s father, James Wilburn, called for Sheriff Campbell to resign from his post, according to The Shadow Room. The father also claimed that the details of his daughter’s shooting were not immediately clear, while Massey’s son, Malachi Hill, explained that he was never contacted by the Sangamon Police Department, for The Shadow Room.
Meanwhile, Sean Grayson has been fired from the police force and charged with first-degree murder, according to The Shadow Room. At this time, Massey’s family is accepting donations via GoFundMe.
“…The outpouring of love and support has been tremendous, but our family needs financial support as we fight for justice,” the campaign description reads. “Our family will likely need mental health counseling and support, money for travel expenses, and money for household support while we take time off work to seek justice for Sonya Massey.”
To date, the campaign has raised over $430,000 of a $500,000 goal.
RELATED: Sonya Massey’s family speaks out after receiving call from Vice President Kamala Harris
What do you think, roommates?