Roommates… justice doesn’t at all times include aid — generally it comes heavy, sophisticated, and unfinished. This week, Sonya Massey’s father and cousin are talking out after the previous officer who killed her, Sean Graysonwas lastly sentenced. And, they’re sending her title echoing by the courtroom as soon as once more.
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Sonya Massey’s Father Says Sentence Isn’t Sufficient
After a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to twenty years in jail for fatally taking pictures his daughter inside her dwelling in 2024, Sonya Massey’s father, James Wilburnspoke out. Standing earlier than reporters after the January 29 sentencing, Wilburn thanked the state of Illinois for taking steps towards accountability. Nonetheless, he nonetheless made it clear that the struggle is removed from over.
Wilburn, who lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, pointed to the passage of the Sonya Massey Act, laws named in his daughter’s honor that strengthens background checks for future law enforcement officials. He additionally acknowledged that the utmost sentence handed right down to former deputy Sean Grayson for second-degree homicide could also be unprecedented in Illinois. However, he burdened that the regulation itself nonetheless falls quick. “Twenty years just isn’t sufficient, however they did what they may,” Wilburn mentioned. He additionally famous that Grayson will serve solely 50% of his sentence underneath state statute.
Her Household Shifts Focus To Police Accountability
Regardless of emotional reactions of household members shouting “Sure!” when the sentence was learn — Wilburn emphasised that Illinois’ sentencing vary for second-degree homicide wants reform. He known as for federal civil rights expenses towards Grayson and reiterated his hope that the Sonya Massey Act turns into regulation nationwide. “That’s so no household will ever should undergo the sort of damage this household has gone by,” he mentioned.
Sontae MasseySonya’s cousin, additionally spoke powerfully following the sentencing, shifting consideration to accountability inside regulation enforcement. He publicly praised Deputy Dawson Farley, the officer who testified towards Grayson. He emphasised how Farley’s body-worn digicam footage performed a crucial function within the conviction.
“Dawson Farley doesn’t get sufficient credit score,” Sontae mentioned. “We want extra law enforcement officials like him who stood within the hearth and advised the reality.”
Wilburn echoed these sentiments, saying Farley’s footage “modified the narrative” and uncovered what actually occurred inside Sonya’s dwelling.
How Sonya Massey’s Household Pushes Ahead After Sentencing
Each Wilburn and Sontae Massey have been visibly emotional as they addressed the media, balancing aid with continued frustration. Whereas acknowledging the sentence as a step towards justice, Wilburn mentioned the toughest second got here when Grayson requested the household for forgiveness in courtroom. “He received on the witness stand in the course of the trial and doubled down on his lie,” Wilburn mentioned. He additionally insisted that federal motion and recognition of Sonya’s civil rights violations are essential for true accountability.
The household’s resolve has now turned towards legacy. Sontae Massey urged Sangamon County voters to assist the creation and funding of a 708 Psychological Well being Board. She acknowledged it as a option to honor Sonya’s life and handle systemic failures. Sonya Massey’s mom known as 911 simply hours earlier than her dying, in search of assist for a psychological well being disaster that led to tragedy.
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What Do You Suppose Roomies?