Motorcyclists honor Sonya Massey with memorial ride

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Hundreds of bikers from across the country rode the streets of Springfield in honor of Sonya Massey on Saturday.

Massey was shot and killed by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy in her Springfield home last month. On Saturday, the memorial run traveled through capitol city.

In the days and weeks following Massey’s death, we’ve seen a number of rallies in Springfield calling for justice for Sonya Massey. This weekend’s event was another way the community and those from across the country continue to keep her memory and those calls for justice alive.

Former deputy is ‘solely responsible’ for Sonya Massey shooting: Sangamon Co. Sheriff

It was the 47th National Bikers Roundup — the largest camping motorcycle rally in the country. It’s held in a different place every year and is organized by African-American motorcycle clubs.

“I’ve been to a few of these. I was here, I think about 11 years ago, if that long ago, when they had it here,” said Lee Bellmay of Indianapolis. “Except for this right here is a little different. You know, this it’s something else, you know; something added to it. Something we don’t want to have to be doing.”

It’s because this year’s event held a special meaning, holding a memorial run in honor of Sonya Massey.

“We come out and support the community,” Bellmay continued,” the whole cause of things that ain’t right, you know, that needs to be addressed. And sometimes doing it peacefully, like what’s being done here.”

Deputy who killed Sonya Massey had job reference from fiance’s dad, a longtime sheriff’s deputy

Last month, Massey called 911 for help, concerned someone was trying to break into her home. Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson and another unnamed deputy arrived on scene, and within minutes, body camera video shows Grayson shot Massey in the face after she moved a pot of boiling water from the stove.

“I’ll come out to support Sonya Massey,” said Andri Green of Decatur. “I hope to have, you know, everything work out good for the family and [I’m] praying for the family and just hope for justice.”

Since Massey’s death, there have been calls for Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign. Last week, WCIA’s Cole Henke sat down with the sheriff. You can find that full interview here.

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