Sangamon Co. Sheriff, ISP address transparency concerns on deputy-involved shooting
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois State Police and Sangamon County Sheriff have both issued new statements regarding the investigation and lack of public information on last week’s deputy-involved shooting.
So far, it is publicly known that deputies responded to the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue on Saturday for a report of a “prowler.” After spending 30 minutes on the scene, a deputy shot 36-year-old Sonya Massey, whose home was in the area. She was later pronounced dead.
No further details are available, and both State Police and Sheriff Jack Campbell said they are trying to protect the integrity of the investigation by not releasing further information.
In a post on his office’s Facebook page, Campbell addressed concerns about a lack of public statements since the shooting happened. In response, he pointed out that his office did in fact publish a new release within hours of the shooting, which stated ISP had been contacted to perform the investigation, which is routine in shootings involving law enforcement.
Campbell said that right now, protecting the integrity of the investigation is “imperative,” and that includes waiting for determinations from State Police.
Former Sangamon Co. police chief gets 1 year of jail for child pornography charges
“My normal procedure is to respond to inquiries and to give public statements in regard to major events. And as an elected official, that is always my instinct,” Campbell said. “In this case, it would not be appropriate. I’m asking for the public and the media to be patient as we seek the facts surrounding this tragic event.”
State Police, meanwhile, said they are trying to protect the legal process and the right to a fair trial should charges be filed. For that reason, officials said they will not be releasing body camera video from the deputies or other information at this time.
“When appropriate, additional information, including the video, will be shared with Sonya Massey’s family before releasing further,” State Police officials said.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
