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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Congressional Conflicts: Curb on lawmakers’ stock trades draws fire for being weak
Wyoming’s year in review: Education savings, contentious spending
Frankfort Man Arrested in Gas Station Robbery Found Hiding in McDonald’s Restroom
U.S. House advances GOP-backed energy reliability bill
Illinois’ safe gun storage law goes into effect Jan. 1
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for December 11, 2025
New Lenox Homeowner Granted Variance for 4,000-Square-Foot Accessory Space
District Weighs $4.8 Million Debt Reduction Scenarios as Facility Issues Persist
County Expands Paratransit Services, Board Members Question Long-Term Funding
California attorney general joins coalition to protect trans youth in sports
Supreme Court blocks National Guard deployment to Chicago
Chicago mayor refuses to sign or veto budget at ‘not a campaign event’
