Key takeaways:

• The family of Sonya Massey will receive $10 million following her fatal shooting by deputy Sean Grayson during a 911 call.
• The settlement aims to prevent a lengthy lawsuit and comes as discussions on police reform continue.
• Grayson, who has been charged with first-degree murder, is currently in jail and awaiting trial.
• The family seeks legislative changes regarding police interactions with individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman tragically shot in her home by a police deputy in July 2024, has agreed to a $10 million settlement with HuffPost reported. The Sangamon County Board unanimously approved the agreement as a measure to provide some compensation to the family while avoiding a drawn-out lawsuit that could be emotionally taxing.

Massey's death has drawn widespread attention, highlighting ongoing issues of police violence against Black individuals in America. On July 6, she had called 911, fearing for her safety due to a suspected prowler outside her residence. Upon police arrival, she experienced a mental health crisis, exchanging tense words with deputy Grayson, who shot her three times, impacting the considerable local and national discourse on police accountability.

Following the incident, the New York Times revealed that Grayson has been charged with first-degree murder and has since been dismissed from the sheriff’s office. Although he pleaded not guilty, his actions have prompted a reassessment of law enforcement training regarding mental health situations, as illustrated in a memorandum of agreement between the county and the Department of Justice.

County administrator Brian McFadden stated they would cover the settlement without raising taxes or cutting services, indicating that funding would come from reserve funds. Attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey's family, described the settlement as bittersweet, emphasizing the need for ongoing legislative reforms and accountability for law enforcement officers involved in similar cases.

This incident contributes to the growing call for changes in police practices concerning individuals facing mental health challenges, striving to prevent future tragedies. The Reuters reported that the Sheriff's Office also faces scrutiny as community members push for meaningful reforms in response to Massey's death.

For more details, visit The Hill.