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

Blue flasher light of siren of police car

Manhattan Police Reports

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On March 5, officers stopped Leal Acosta, Julio C (25)...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Manhattan Fire District Advances New Station Construction, Approves $210,000 Ambulance Replacement

The Manhattan Fire Protection District is moving closer to breaking ground on its new fire station, with construction documents expected to be complete next month and a potential groundbreaking scheduled...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Former Peotone Firefighter Mike Shivers Recommended for Fire District Board Position

The Manhattan Fire Protection District board unanimously recommended Mike Shivers to fill a vacant trustee position left by the recent death of Trustee Bill Osborne. Shivers, a former Peotone Fire...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District February 17 Meeting Briefs

New Commissioner Sworn In: Attorney John Motylinski administered the oath of office to Commissioner Anton "Tony" Brncich, who was appointed by the Board of Trustees in December. Brncich officially began...
Police Crime

Manhattan Police Reports

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On January 27, officers stopped Marshbanks, Turquoise E (42)...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Bridge Project Saved After County Commissioner Intervenes with Forest Preserve

A critical bridge replacement project in Manhattan Township, jeopardized by a stalemate with the Will County Forest Preserve District and the potential loss of $500,000 in funding, has been saved...
Manhattan Township

Soltage Solar Farm Clears Township Hurdle with Detailed Landscaping Plan

A proposed solar farm by Soltage Renewable Energy has cleared a key local hurdle after its representative presented a detailed landscaping and aesthetics plan that satisfied the Manhattan Township Board....
Manhattan Township

Solar Developer Commits Up to $800,000 for Smith Road Improvements

Summit Ridge Energy, a solar farm developer, has committed to providing up to $800,000 for the engineering and construction of improvements along Smith Road, Manhattan Township officials announced Tuesday. The...
Manhattan Township

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Township for February 11, 2025

Baker Road Bridge Work Imminent: Highway Commissioner Jim Baltas reported that the Road District crew will soon begin trimming trees to prepare for the upcoming construction on the Baker Road Bridge....
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township to Review Solar Farm Proposal at Special Meeting

Manhattan Township will host a special meeting Jan. 28 to review a proposed solar farm development at the corner of Cherry Hill and Manhattan roads. Soltage Renewable Energy Provider has...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Briefs

Township Approves $81,000 Assessor Budget: Manhattan Township trustees unanimously approved the 2025-2026 assessor's office budget request of $81,000 during their Jan. 14 meeting. The budget includes increases for employee salaries...
Jackson Township

Jackson Township Property Values to Rise 13% in 2025 Assessment

Jackson Township property owners will see assessed values increase by 13.18% in the upcoming assessment cycle, Assessor LeGrett reported at the township's January 8 monthly meeting. The increase, which will...
Jackson Township

Jackson Township Advances Infrastructure Projects Despite Winter Conditions

Jackson Township continues progress on major infrastructure improvements while maintaining winter road operations, officials reported at the January 8 township meeting. Supervisor Matt Robbins updated the board on the ongoing...
Jackson Township

Jackson Township Meeting Briefs

Meeting Approvals: Jackson Township trustees unanimously approved December 2024 meeting minutes and the monthly financial statement during their January 8 meeting. The board also approved the assessor's 2025 budget as...
Police blue and red flashing light on the car in the street

Manhattan Police Reports

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On November 25, officers cited Parker, Kenneth R (53) of...