Illinois sheriff in Sonya Massey shooting to retire at the end of August

Campbell, a Republican, said his retirement will occur on Aug. 31, because the current political climate has made it "impossible" for him to do his job effectively.

By Misty Severi

Published: August 9, 2024 9:10pm

An Illinois sheriff whose deputy was charged in the alleged murder of Sonya Massey announced Friday that he would retire at the end of the month.

Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker urged Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign on Wednesday, after former Sangamon County Sheriff deputy Sean Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct for allegedly shooting Massey on July 6.

Campbell, a Republican, said his retirement would come Aug. 31, because the current political climate has made it "impossible" for him to do his job effectively.

“The one person truly responsible for this act is in jail, and I believe justice will be served through the legal process," Campbell said in a statement, per CNN. “Some in our community want me to pay the price for that person’s actions, even threatening that I pay that price with my life, my family’s lives, or the lives of my Deputies. We will only persevere together as a community if we turn down the temperature and resolve to do better.”

The criticism comes after an autopsy confirmed that Massey's death was a homicide. Massey had called 911 about a suspected prowler, and Grayson was one of the officers who answered the call. Video footage of the encounter from police body cameras confirmed that Grayson fired three shots at Massey. Grayson has pleaded not guilty.

“We must honor the life of Sonya Massey by ensuring that no one else falls victim to such tragic and senseless action,” Campbell added. “That has been my sincere mission since that fateful day. But it has become clear that the current political climate has made it nearly impossible for me to continue effectively in my role.”

Pritzker praised Campbell's decision to retire, saying he hopes the community can move forward and heal.

“[I hope] a fresh start with new leadership will usher in a new era of reform and rebuild the trust lost between the Sangamon County community and the Sheriff’s Office,” he said in a statement.