Champaign church gathers for Sonya Massey prayer vigil

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Ben Crump, the attorney for Sonya Massey’s family, called on communities across the country to mourn the 36-year-old on Sunday.

A former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy shot and killed her in her Springfield home earlier this month.

At Bethel AME Church in Champaign, dozens of community members gathered to honor and remember the mother of two. The church was full people who stood in support of the family.

Black Lives Matter advocates march in Sonya Massey’s hometown

Speakers and organizers said the goal was to bring awareness to the situation.

“It makes it really hard to look my daughter in the eyes and tell her that the police — or whoever is over you and in authority — it makes it really hard to explain to her and tell her that you can feel safe, you can be safe, but just ask for help, when that’s not always the case, unfortunately, due to the color of your skin at times,” said Deshawn Williams, Champaign County Chief Deputy Treasurer.

He said it’s encouraging to see the community support Sonya Massey, but there is still more work that needs to be done.

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