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

U.S. Senate panel to examine fertilizer costs, food prices

U.S. Senate panel to examine fertilizer costs, food prices

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on Tuesday afternoon looking at disruptions in the fertilizer industry and the impact rising costs are...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning

Green Garden Solar Project Cleared to Implement Higher “Agrivoltaic” Standards

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved four variances on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to facilitate...

Everyday Economics: Stable but weak under the surface

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The April jobs report looked fine. Payrolls rose, unemployment held at 4.3%, hours ticked up. Nothing broke. But look one layer down and the picture...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Committee: Facilities Department Reports $92,000 in Energy Savings, Completes Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout

Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryAssistant Director of Facilities Ken Rogalski reported significant energy savings and the completion of key county...
Lincoln Way West Warriors Baseball

Lemont Pulls Away from Lincoln-Way West in 10-3 Non-Conference Defeat

The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team traveled to Lemont on Saturday for a non-conference matchup, ultimately dropping the contest 10-3 despite a mid-game offensive rally. Lemont jumped out to an...
Nebraska voters to elect party representatives

Nebraska voters to elect party representatives

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Nebraska will head to the polls on Tuesday to nominate party representatives for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the state legislature. Prominent incumbents...
U.S. farmers struggling with high price of fuel, fertilizer as bankruptcies rise

U.S. farmers struggling with high price of fuel, fertilizer as bankruptcies rise

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As Congress continues working on the long-overdue federal farm bill, American farmers entering planting season are facing a grim financial landscape. Due to the U.S.-Iran...
Trump, Xi meeting to be packed with slew of hot topics

Trump, Xi meeting to be packed with slew of hot topics

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square After postponing a scheduled trip to China from March to May due to the U.S. strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump is set to visit...
Screenshot 2026-05-05 at 2.00.13 PM

Manhattan District 114 Reviews Major Board Policy Overhaul

Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education Meeting | April 29, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education conducted a first reading of a comprehensive overhaul...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning

Green Garden Solar Farm Approved in Split Vote; Battery Storage Component Rejected

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a new 4.98-megawatt solar facility in Green...
Lincoln Way West Warriors Baseball

Lockport Tops Lincoln-Way West in Tight Conference Battle

The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team faced a difficult road test on Friday, falling to Lockport in a competitive 4-2 conference matchup. The game began with a flurry of activity...
Lincoln Way West Warriors Softball

Lincoln-Way East Outlasts Lincoln-Way West in 10-6 Conference Victory

Lincoln-Way East used a balanced and relentless offensive attack to secure a 10-6 victory over Lincoln-Way West in a high-scoring conference matchup on Friday. The game was a back-and-forth battle...
Bill to expel students over sexual assault progresses in Springfield

Bill to expel students over sexual assault progresses in Springfield

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A measure that would place new rules on Illinois schools requiring a full-year expulsion of a student...
Viral goose egg case fuels debate over abortion

Viral goose egg case fuels debate over abortion

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A viral incident involving a suburban Chicago woman accused of taking protected goose eggs is drawing...
Another U.S.-Canada border bust: Gun smuggling operation

Another U.S.-Canada border bust: Gun smuggling operation

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A gun smuggling operation run by Canadian, Pakistani and Jordanian citizens has been thwarted at the U.S.-Canada border, authorities said. While illegal border crosser crime...