An Illinois sheriff embroiled in controversy following the July 6 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey by one of his deputies said Friday he is stepping away.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, who has been sheriff since 2018, is retiring no later than Aug. 31, he said in a statement.
Former deputy Sean P. Grayson has been charged with Massey’s murder.
Massey died in her home after being shot while holding a pot of water on July 6. Her death sparkedΒ national outrageΒ as many called for justice and communities across the country held vigils for the 36-year-old woman.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton had formally called two days ago for Campbell to resign, expressing frustration with how the sheriff has responded to the Massey’s death.
Much scrutiny has been placed on Campbell, who hired former Grayson in May 2023 despite his two prior DUI convictions. Grayson has been charged by a grand jury with three counts of first-degree murder after shooting Massey in her own home on July 6.
Campbell “has failed to explain how he ended up hiring this deputy sheriff who has (resigned) from other departments,” the governor said at an unrelated news conference early Wednesday in Chicago. “He has failed to put forward reforms that clearly need to be made.”