Ex-deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey

Ex-deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey

January 29, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting Sonya Massey at her Springfield home in July 2024.

A jury convicted Sean Grayson of second-degree murder Oct. 29. On Thursday morning in Springfield, Judge Ryan Cadigan handed down the maximum allowed sentence for Grayson’s crime.

In a statement from the Massey Commission for Sangamon County, Sonya’s cousin, Sontae Massey, said Sonya’s death would follow her for the rest of her life.

“It is a permanent reminder of what happens when power is exercised without humanity, when a life is treated as disposable,” Sontae Massey stated.

The trial was in Peoria after Grayson’s legal team argued local news coverage of Massey’s death would make it impossible to find an impartial jury.

In the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, Massey called police about a suspected prowler. Two Sangamon County Sheriff deputies arrived on the scene. Body camera footage released by Illinois State Police showed Grayson confronting Massey and threatening to shoot her in the face.

Massey was then shot in the head.

Greg Bishop contributed to this story.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

will-county-board.3

Will County Finance Committee Meeting Briefs

Budget Transfers Approved: The Finance Committee approved transferring $18,643 within the Supervisor of Assessments budget to move funds from software licensing to computer hardware purchases. Animal Protection Services Funding: Committee...
will-county-board.2

Public Works Committee Briefs

Major Projects Update: Construction continues on several major projects including the 80th Avenue expressway overpass, Laraway Road widening near Cedar Road, and Bell Road improvements. The Bell Road project at...
will-county-board

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Briefs

Bed donation program: Will County donated old beds from Sunny Hill Nursing Home to Joliet Junior College and Project Cure after the nursing home received all new beds for residents....
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Frankfort Board Approves New Wendy’s on Route 30 With Numerous Modifications

A new Wendy's restaurant is set to be built at the northwest corner of U.S. Route 30 and Frankfort Square Road after the Frankfort Village Board unanimously approved the project...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Historic Downtown Frankfort Property Granted Deck and Patio Variances

The owners of a historic mixed-use building in downtown Frankfort have received approval for six zoning variances to construct a new paver patio and a second-floor rear deck. The Frankfort...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Frankfort Approves $1.3 Million in Bills, Including Annual Insurance Payment

The Frankfort Village Board authorized over $1.3 million in payments at its meeting Monday, with nearly half of the total amount covering the village's annual insurance premiums. Trustees unanimously approved...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for June 2, 2025

Wendy's Project Approved with Multiple Variances: The Village Board gave final approval for a new Wendy's restaurant at U.S. Route 30 and Frankfort Square Road. The project required a major change...
frankfort-park-district.1

Frankfort Park Board Holds Closed-Door Talks on Five Oaks HOA Dispute

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners entered into a closed executive session on Tuesday, May 27, to discuss pending litigation concerning the Five Oaks Park parcel, signaling a deepening...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Frankfort Township Approves Employee Raises, Details Major Infrastructure and Service Projects

Frankfort Township employees will receive a 2.5% cost-of-living pay increase after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the adjustment at its Monday, May 19 meeting. The move came as Supervisor...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

New High-End Bar ‘Ace & Vine’ Gets Green Light from Township Board

A new bar focused on high-end liquor and an extensive wine collection is one step closer to opening in Frankfort Township after the Board of Trustees voted to recommend a...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Golf Carts Not Permitted on Township Roads, Supervisor Clarifies

Residents hoping to drive golf carts on roads in unincorporated Frankfort Township are out of luck, as the practice is illegal under state law, Supervisor Nick George clarified at the...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Township Board for May 19, 2025

The Frankfort Township Board approved a 2.5% cost-of-living raise for its employees and discussed several major projects at its meeting on Monday, May 19. Supervisor Nick George announced that the...
Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-3.26.08-PM

Will County Board Rejects Two Solar Farm Projects After Heated Public Opposition

New Lenox area residents cite safety concerns, property values in opposing commercial solar facilities The Will County Board voted decisively against two proposed commercial solar energy facilities during its May...
will-county-board.3

County Approves $15 Million Water System Takeover for Southeast Joliet Area

700 homes to receive upgraded service as Joliet takes control of failing sanitary district The Will County Board voted 20-1 to support dissolving the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and transferring...
will-county-board

Board Postpones County Purchasing Code Overhaul Amid Union Contractor Debate

Members seek clarification on requirements that could favor unionized businesses The Will County Board postponed action on proposed changes to county purchasing ordinances after members raised concerns about language that...