Who is Sonya Massey? Illinois passes new police background check law

Illinois has passed a new law that requires people applying to become police officers to allow full access to their background records. This comes after the tragic shooting of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman, by a sheriff’s deputy in July 2024.

Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill on Tuesday, calling it a “first-of-its-kind” law in the U.S. He said it should serve as an example for other states, stressing that trust is the foundation of a fair justice system.

Who Was Sonya Massey?

Sonya Massey, 36, was a single mother of two teenagers who had strong religious faith but also struggled with mental health issues. On July 6, 2024, she called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her home in Springfield.

Deputy Sean Grayson responded but ended up shooting her inside her home after a confusing interaction. Massey was holding a pot of hot water when she told him, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson later claimed he thought she wanted to harm him. She died after being shot below the eye.

What the Law Does

Under the new law, anyone applying for a police job in Illinois must sign a waiver allowing past employers to release unredacted background records. This includes:

• Job performance reviews

• Fitness-for-duty medical reports

• Criminal and civil court records

• Non-disclosure or separation agreements

If needed, agencies can get a judge’s approval to see sealed court documents. The goal is to make sure bad records follow officers from job to job.

Why It Was Needed

After Massey’s death, an investigation revealed troubling parts of Grayson’s past:

• Two DUI convictions in his early 20s, which got him kicked out of the Army

• Poor performance reviews in multiple law enforcement jobs

• Reports of being careless with evidence and overly boastful

• Ignoring orders during a high-speed chase in a previous job

Would It Have Stopped His Hiring?

Ironically, no. The Sangamon County Sheriff already knew about many of Grayson’s issues but still hired him, even making him repeat police training. Supporters of the law say it won’t directly control hiring but ensures all information is available so better decisions can be made.

What’s Next?

Grayson is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set for October in Peoria. The case has received worldwide attention, led to protests, and resulted in a $10 million settlement for Massey’s family.