CHICAGO — A verified GoFundMe page has been established by the family of Sonya Massey to assist with expenses related to mental health counseling, travel, and other costs following her tragic death. Massey, 36, was fatally shot in her Illinois home earlier this month.
The family is calling for an investigation into the hiring of Sean Grayson, a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy charged in connection with Massey’s death. Concerns have been raised about Grayson’s employment history, which includes working at six law enforcement agencies in four years and facing two charges of driving under the influence.
Grayson, 30, was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and was indicted by a grand jury last week on three counts of first-degree murder and one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. The charges stem from the July 6 shooting at Massey’s home near Springfield.
Massey is remembered by her family as a caring and loving mother to her two children, a 17-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. “Sonya loved cooking, doing hair, nurturing her children, and spending time with her family,” wrote James Wilburn and Raymond Massey on the fundraiser page. “She was also a devoted church member.”
The family noted the significant outpouring of love and support they have received since her passing. However, they are seeking financial assistance as they continue to cope with their loss and fight for justice.
The fundraiser aims to provide the family with the necessary resources to navigate the challenging times ahead. Contributions will support counseling services for the family and other related expenses as they work to ensure a future for Massey’s children.
The GoFundMe has garnered attention from the community, with many supporters sharing messages of sympathy and solidarity. The family expressed gratitude for the generosity shown thus far, emphasizing the vital role of community support in their healing process.
For those interested in contributing, the fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe under the name “Support for Sonya Massey’s Family.”
