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
Illinois Quick Hits: Community College reimbursement bill passed
Powell out, Warsh in as new chair of Federal Reserve
Nessel pushes back as Trump administration extends order keeping coal plant open
Bipartisan praise for federal charges in Minnesota fraud cases
Congress rejects Trump’s proposed NASA budget cuts
Comptroller, Chicago officials debate tax fund sweeps
No public funds for new transit safety group
The future of American troops in Europe; Iran lead Rubio’s meeting with NATO
Tennessee congressman files articles of impeachment against Roberts
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicagoland chamber opposes ditigal ad tax
Board suspends Camp Mystic co-owner’s nursing license
Illinois bill banning ‘easily convertible’ handguns could pass this session
