Sangamon County Sheriff Resigns After Deputy's Murder Charge

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the month, following the indictment of former deputy Grayson on charges of first-degree murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey. The incident occurred on July 6 when Massey called 911 to report a possible prowler at her home. Her family has indicated that she struggled with mental health issues. Grayson, who was fired after the shooting, faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery and official misconduct. The sheriff's office has come under intense scrutiny due to revelations about Grayson’s troubled history, including a discharge from the Army for serious misconduct and multiple DUI offenses. Despite these issues, Grayson was employed by six different law enforcement agencies in Illinois since 2020. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey’s family, stated that Campbell’s retirement could signify a turning point in their pursuit of justice, expressing hope for collaboration with both Campbell and his successor to prevent future tragedies. During a community meeting, Campbell acknowledged the failure to protect Massey, stating, “She called for help and we failed.” He expressed a commitment to implementing changes within the sheriff’s office. The sheriff's office has faced criticism for not receiving complete disciplinary records on Grayson, which may have influenced his hiring. Campbell noted that previous employers had indicated Grayson required additional training, raising questions about the hiring practices within the department.