'Say her name': Protestors call for answers from police in Sonya Massey's death

Looking for answers and demanding justice, dozens of protestors stood outside the Sangamon County Building Friday morning — marking six days since the death of Sonya Massey at the hands of Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputies, who shot and killed the 36-year-old Springfield woman inside of her home.

Illinois State Police, who is investigating the matter, have decided to not release the footage or any additional information to the public to "protect the integrity of the legal process," but said in a statement Wednesday that it will share more details with Massey's family when the time is right.

More:6 unanswered questions in the fatal shooting of a Springfield woman by local deputies

That time is now, countered protest organizer Tiara Standage who wanted body camera footage and the names of deputies involved in the shooting revealed.

"Why are they on paid leave at home, playing PlayStation with their kids?," she told the crowd. Sangamon County spokesperson Jeff Wilhite confirmed Thursday that the two deputies who initially responded are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. "They need to be prosecuted to the highest extent of the law."

Per the latest information from county officials and state police, deputies arrived at Massey's home on the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue at 12:50 a.m. on July 6 for a possible break-in. It has yet to be confirmed if the 911 call came from inside the home and if Massey placed it, but sentiment among her family and friends is that she did.

The news release indicated that deputies reported shots were fired at approximately 1:21 a.m. Massey was later taken by ambulance to HSHS St. John's Hospital where she died at 1:47 a.m. according to Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon.

It's a scene that has played out all too often for Black people nationwide, said Springfield Chapter of Black Lives Matter co-founder Sunshine Clemons, harkening back to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Trayvon Martin.

"She should still be here," Clemons said. "Sonya Massey is her name, her name deserves to be said."

Security was present and a yellow tape barrier running between Adams and Monroe allowing protestors to spill into one lane of Ninth Street. Those working at the county building saw a peaceful protest and encountered no difficulties getting into the building. Several cars and one RV, emblazoned with a sign saying "#StandWithSonya," also passed by and honked in support.

The protest comes after it was announced that Massey's family had retained the services of civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump. Crump, based out of Tallahassee, Florida, has been involved in major civil rights cases and previously represented Earl Moore Jr.'s family in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Following the protest, the City of Springfield and Springfield Police Department expressed gratitude that it was done peacefully but also urged for patience as the investigation develops. The incident occurred in an unincorporated part of the county.

"In these challenging times, we encourage our community members to continue exercising their constitutional rights peacefully" the city and police department said in a joint statement. "Your voices are vital, and your support is crucial as we navigate this difficult period together. We are dedicated to maintaining the trust and safety of our cherished community."

Steven Spearie of The State Journal-Register contributed to this report.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.