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.
Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
Attorney: Supreme Court leaves path for property owners
Ex-cops blast Chicago mayor’s new agency
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago reports increased visitor spending
Federalist Society panel takes on third-party lawsuit financing
Illinois to see 4 new consumer protection laws enacted
Illinois SNAP error rate rises; Pritzker blames Trump
Chicago video gambling hearing abruptly ends in debate, disarray
Illinois Quick Hits: Court rules against parents in East St. Louis busing case
DHS secretary blasts Illinois correctional centers
Chicago’s potential ‘teen takeover’ solutions cost taxpayers
Illinois Quick Hits: Opioid overdose deaths decline in Cook County
Teachers unions call for special session, more money
