FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2024

Today, Illinois State Police released disturbing body camera footage of the killing of Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County sheriff's deputy. Massey had called the police early in the morning on July 6 because she believed an intruder had entered her home in Springfield.

Daniela Gilbert, director of the Redefining Public Safety initiative at the Vera Institute of Justice, issued the following statement:

“Sonya Massey deserved to be safe in her home. The release of the Illinois sheriff’s deputy body cam footage, and the widespread media coverage of her killing, is a reminder of how the status quo of relying solely on policing for our safety has failed us. This tragedy underscores the national necessity of greater investments in meeting people’s health and social needs, which includes wider availability, urgent implementation, and greater resourcing of civilian crisis responders to appropriately handle the millions of 911 calls made each year that do not require a law enforcement response.

“Sonya’s family deserves justice. Law enforcement officers are public servants and must be accountable to uphold safety for all. Comprehensive police accountability measures must go hand in hand with investments in initiatives that strengthen communities and prevent violence through evidence-based programs and strategies that approach community safety through the lens of public health.”

Press Contact: media@vera.org

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About the Vera Institute of Justice: The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.