Ex-deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey
(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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms
Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail
One Dead, Two Hospitalized Following Overnight Shooting at Crete Family Party
Phoenix renames Cesar Chavez Day, imposes limits on ICE
Gas prices approach $4 a gallon in U.S., $6 in California
Rep: $111 million for community violence intervention is out of touch
Congress requests documents after reports on California hospice fraud
California, Arizona work on removing Cesar Chavez’s name
Maryland climate ruling tees up U.S. Supreme Court case
IL committee advances speaker’s bill to restrict federal detention centers
Poll: 70% of Americans support in-person requirement for abortion pills
Trump admin says Iran peace talks ‘ongoing’ as ground forces head to region
