IEA statement on Sonya Massey murder

SPRINGFIELD - The following statement is attributable to Illinois Education Association (IEA) President Al Llorens:

"On July 6, 36-year-old Springfield resident and mother of two, Sonya Massey, called 911 to ask police to come to her house to check for a prowler. Within minutes of entering her home, a Sangamon County sheriff's deputy shot and killed Massey as she removed a pot of boiling water from the stove, at the officers' request. The Illinois Education Association calls for a full investigation of this tragedy and asks that ALL responsible for it, not just the deputy charged with three counts of murder in Massey's death, be held accountable. No one in America should call for help and end up being murdered in their own home. Home is where we should all feel the safest. But instances like this continue to happen and, rightfully, further erode trust in people in positions of authority. Black and Brown children should not be losing their parents at the hands of sworn law enforcement officers who take an oath to serve and protect. Black and Brown parents should not fear sending their children out the doors of their homes with the fear they may never make it back. No one should have to fear calling for help. May Sonya Massey's family receive justice in this case and may her death finally be a wake-up call for change."

###

The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state's largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.