A former sheriff’s deputy was found guilty of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a mother of two, in the face after she called 911.
Former sheriff’s deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for Sonya Massey’s murder
Convicted former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of Sonya Massey.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old black mother of two, in her home in 2024 was sentenced to 20 years in prison at a hearing on January 29th.
Sean Grayson, 31, will serve 50% of his sentence under Illinois law, effectively 10 years. He gets credit for the hours he works.
Seventh Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Ryan Cadagin read the decision.
Grayson entered the courtroom at 9:02 a.m. wearing a county-issued jumpsuit and handcuffed. He took a seat at the defense table.
Previously, Mr. Kadagin denied Mr. Grayson’s request for a new trial.
Under the second-degree murder conviction by a Peoria County jury of nine women and three men, Grayson, who is white, could have been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Meanwhile, Grayson was eligible for probation.
Massey’s mother, Donna Massey of Springfield, told the court, “Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” imitating her daughter’s words to Grayson at home.
James Wilburn of Pine Bluff, Ark., said Grayson has shown no remorse since the shooting.
“I’ll never hear her say ‘Daddy, I love you’ again,” Wilburn said.
Massey’s son, Malachi Hill Massey, said the loss of his mother “ripped his soul.”
Massey’s daughter, Janet “Summer” Massey, said her mother’s death was a “traumatic experience” and that she feels the loss every day. She added that she was greatly affected mentally, socially and emotionally.
Other letters of support were submitted to the state.
“There are no words I can say to take back the anger and hurt I caused,” Grayson said before he was sentenced.
A letter to Grayson was also submitted to the court.
Outside the courthouse, demonstrators braved 1-degree temperatures to demand the maximum sentence for Grayson.
Grayson, who was fired from the department, was charged with first-degree murder by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Millhiser. The jury also received second-degree instruction and reached a guilty verdict after deliberating for more than 12 hours over two days.
Second-degree murder occurs when a person “acts under sudden and intense passion caused by serious provocation” and kills another person.
Grayson was sentenced to 45 years in prison for first-degree murder.
The trial was moved outside Springfield due to pretrial publicity, but the verdict was returned there.
Despite the efforts of attorneys Daniel Fultz and Mark Wyckoff, Grayson has remained incarcerated since his arrest.
Wyckoff said Grayson was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2023 and has now been diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer, as well as liver and lung cancer.
The incident garnered national attention, with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Gov. JB Pritzker all commenting on the incident after lawmakers’ body-worn camera footage was released. This footage was played many times during the trial.
Grayson and another deputy were called to Massey’s home on suspicion of loitering.
The Massey family was generally critical of the second-degree murder conviction.
Wilburn called for the Sonya Massey Act to become the law of the land. This landmark bill, signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on August 12, 2025, seeks to improve hiring practices for police officers.
In late 2025, the Massey Commission issued dozens of calls to action in its final report, making recommendations to city, county, and state officials.
Among its recommendations was for the county to establish a 708 Mental Health Commission. The question will go to county voters on March 17.
Massey received a 911 call from his mother in Springfield, complaining that she was having a “mental breakdown.” It was just over 12 hours before she was shot and killed.
Contact Steven Spearie: ssperie@sj-r.com; X: @StevenSperie.
