The downstate Illinois sheriff who received criticism over his handling of fatal police shooting of Sonya Masseywho was killed by a sheriff’s deputy, announced he will retire at the end of the month.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell made the announcement Friday, just over a month after Massey was shot and killed by a deputy on July 6 at his home outside Springfield.
The deputy, Sean Grayson, was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office after the shooting and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and criminal misconduct in connection with Massey’s death. He has pleaded not guilty.
After the release of police body camera video of the shootingcalls began for Campbell to resign, including from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The governor also criticized Campbell for not yet meeting the Massey family since she was killed. Campbell said he has requested four separate times to meet with the Massey family.
Campbell has defended its decision to hire Sean Grayson, the deputy who shot and killed Massey early Saturday, July 6, at her home outside Springfield. He shot her as she checked a pot of boiling water in her own kitchen as she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
This is a development story.