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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Barn Fire on Whispering Hills Lane Claims Livestock, Draws Extensive Mutual Aid Response
Will County Public Works Committee Shelves License Plate Reader Agreement Amid Bipartisan Privacy Concerns
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Overrides Staff to Approve New Lenox Accessory Building Variance
Will County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Remi, First Electronic Scent Detection Dog
Will County Transportation Department Announces Open House for Manhattan-Monee Road Expansion
Will County Community Mental Health Board Faces $5 Million Shortfall in 2026 Grant Requests
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for March 5, 2026
Will County Officials Warn of Zoom Court Scam Targeting Defendants for Fraudulent Dismissal Fees
Will Land Use Committee Evaluates Multi-Million Dollar Buyout for Flooded Harris Drive Homes
Behavioral Health Division Drops Wait Times, Reports Zero Opioid Deaths in February
Harris Drive Residents Plead for County Intervention Amid Failing Septic Systems and Flooding
Will County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Hit-and-Run in Homer Glen
