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

Abbott asks Treasury Department to suspend Islam group’s tax-exempt status

Abbott asks Treasury Department to suspend Islam group’s tax-exempt status

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took more action Tuesday against the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Abbott on Tuesday requested the Treasury Department investigate CAIR for...
Controversial Vietnamese film being considered for Oscars

Controversial Vietnamese film being considered for Oscars

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A controversial Vietnamese film that depicts a long Vietnam War battle is under consideration for an Oscar nomination, according to California Assemblymember Tri Ta, R-Westminster....
IL, Chicago, suburbs to get up to $280M in Monsanto PCB deal

IL, Chicago, suburbs to get up to $280M in Monsanto PCB deal

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois' state government, as well as Chicago and nine North Shore suburbs, could be in line for as much as $280 million...
Survey: Teachers concerned about AI's impact on students

Survey: Teachers concerned about AI’s impact on students

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square K-12 educators say students are turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support, and many are concerned that current safeguards are insufficient, according to a new...
Los Angeles County board votes to ban masks for ICE officers

Los Angeles County board votes to ban masks for ICE officers

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Los Angeles County moved closer Tuesday to join the state of California in banning masks for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. But even as...
Illinois quick hits: Son of 'El Chapo' guilty; still above $3 a gallon

Illinois quick hits: Son of ‘El Chapo’ guilty; still above $3 a gallon

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Son of 'El Chapo' guilty A notorious gang leader’s son has been convicted on federal drug charges. Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s...

WATCH: Chicago mayor, ‘responsible stewards’ defend taxes, opponents say they’ve failed

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to make Chicago the safest and most affordable big city in...

WATCH: Pritzker encourages protests as feds challenge use of force lawsuit

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the use of force challenge against the Trump administration’s enforcement of immigration law continues, Gov. J.B....
Attorneys general oppose pay cut for foreign farmworkers

Attorneys general oppose pay cut for foreign farmworkers

By Dave Mason | The Center SquareThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a response from the U.S. Department of Labor....

WATCH: Pritzker signs vaccine law GOP doctor called ‘Trump Derangement’ bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to expand vaccine access in Illinois, but a Republican lawmaker and...
Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue

Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With the state now losing a resident to another state every nine minutes and more than...
Illinois quick hits: Biss criticizes university payout; more time in emergency rooms

Illinois quick hits: Biss criticizes university payout; more time in emergency rooms

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Biss criticizes university payout Evanston Mayor and former Democratic state lawmaker Daniel Biss says President Donald Trump’s administration “essentially blackmailed” Northwestern...
WATCH: Sanctuary bill soon law; Use of force case proceeds; CTU audits due Mon

WATCH: Sanctuary bill soon law; Use of force case proceeds; CTU audits due Mon

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop airs concerns a...
manhattan park district graphic.1

Park District Board Approves New Management Job Descriptions

Manhattan Park Board Meeting | October 9, 2025 Article Summary:The Manhattan Park Board approved a series of new and updated job descriptions for five management-level positions, including a new Deputy...
CTU can’t sue group for campaigning in union elections

CTU can’t sue group for campaigning in union elections

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal appeals panel won’t let the Chicago Teachers Union sue a rival group over allegations it campaigned on behalf of CTU...