Could another Grayson get hired?

Posted on December 17, 2024
The Massey Commission meets at the first of the year. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – There’s a new sheriff in Springfield, and she’s talking to the Sonya Massey Commission.

Paula Crouch succeeded Jack Campbell, who retired after heavy criticism in the wake of the July killing of Sonya Massey, a Black woman from Springfield, by then-deputy Sean Grayson. Massey had called 9-1-1 to report a possible prowler, but Grayson killed her – claiming self-defense out of fear Massey would throw a potful of scalding water at him.

Grayson has been charged with murder and remains jailed. Bodycam video of the incident went viral.

In three months on the job, Crouch has implemented more thorough investigation of new hires. “I think that the process that I have in place is a step in the right direction,” she said at Monday night’s meeting. “I don’t know if it would have prohibited him from being hired.” In fact, Crouch said she would not rule out hiring someone who – like Grayson – has two DUI arrests in their past.

The commission meets again Jan. 13.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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