Jack Campbell, the Illinois sheriff whose deputy was charged with murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a Black woman, in her home last month, announced on Friday that he would step down from his position by the end of August. This decision follows intense public and political pressure, including calls for his resignation from both community members and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
In a statement released to WAND, a local television station, Sheriff Campbell cited the “current political climate” as the reason for his retirement, stating that it had become “impossible” for him to continue leading the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. He confirmed that he would retire no later than August 31, a decision that came amid growing criticism over his handling of the deputy involved in the shooting, Sean Grayson.
The controversy began on July 6, when Deputy Grayson, a white officer, shot and killed 36-year-old Sonya Massey in her Springfield, Illinois, home. The incident occurred after Ms. Massey had called emergency services, fearing that an intruder was in her house. The day before, her mother, Donna Massey, had also contacted 911 to report that her daughter was experiencing a mental health crisis and was in a vulnerable state. During this call, Ms. Massey’s mother pleaded with authorities not to harm her daughter.
Body-worn camera footage released by the sheriff’s office shows Deputy Grayson and his partner searching outside Ms. Massey’s home before entering. Inside, Ms. Massey was seen handling a pot of water on the stove. Standing several feet away from the deputies, she repeatedly told them, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” In response, Grayson threatened to shoot her and then fired at least two shots, killing her.
Following the shooting, an investigation by the state police led to a murder charge against Deputy Grayson. Sheriff Campbell, who initially resisted calls to resign, fired Grayson on July 17.
Critics of Sheriff Campbell have focused on his decision to hire Deputy Grayson, despite knowing about Grayson’s past convictions for driving under the influence (DUI). Grayson had two DUI convictions on his record, one in 2015 and another in 2016, the latter of which resulted in his premature discharge from the Army. These convictions, critics argue, should have been seen as red flags during the hiring process.
The sheriff defended his decision to hire Grayson, arguing that DUI convictions do not automatically disqualify candidates for deputy positions. He also noted that Grayson had been recommended by trusted references. Despite this defense, the release of Grayson’s personnel records only intensified the scrutiny on Campbell’s leadership.
The situation escalated further when Governor Pritzker joined the chorus of voices calling for Campbell’s resignation. Pritzker also criticized the sheriff for failing to meet with Ms. Massey’s family in the month following the shooting.
Sheriff Campbell initially resisted stepping down, insisting that he was committed to implementing changes to prevent future tragedies. However, in his resignation statement, Campbell expressed frustration that some individuals in the community wanted him to be held personally accountable for Grayson’s actions. He also mentioned that he and his family had received threats, saying, “Some individuals would rather see our community divided and in turmoil, than allow me to continue serving as sheriff.”
Ms. Massey’s death has reignited national conversations about the use of excessive force by police and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement. The case is the latest in a series of incidents involving unarmed Black people being killed by police, sparking outrage and demands for accountability across the United States.
As the legal proceedings continue, with Grayson’s next court date set for August 26, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office faces ongoing scrutiny. Sheriff Campbell’s resignation marks a significant development in the fallout from the shooting, but it remains to be seen how the community and local authorities will move forward in the aftermath of this tragedy.
