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

Illinois Quick Hits: AFP says tax breaks would be more at Soldier Field

Illinois Quick Hits: AFP says tax breaks would be more at Soldier Field

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Americans for Prosperity Illinois says megaprojects legislation that cleared the Illinois House could give a proposed development...
Soldier's insider trading case puts prediction markets to the test

Soldier’s insider trading case puts prediction markets to the test

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square An alleged attempt by a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier to profit from classified military intelligence on a prediction market platform has resulted in the...
U.S. will continue blockade 'as long as it takes,' Hegseth says

U.S. will continue blockade ‘as long as it takes,’ Hegseth says

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The United States will continue it's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for "as long as it takes," War Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday....
Will County Board Graphic.03

Will County Takes Jurisdiction of Countyline Road in $1.84 Million Agreement with Kankakee County

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a jurisdictional transfer that brings a 4.27-mile stretch of Countyline Road entirely under Will...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Green Garden Township’s Wildflower Farm Granted Third Special Use Extension

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: Bengston Land Management, LLC secured a third extension on its special use permit to host rural events at The Wildflower...
Gori seeks quick end to asbestos fraud, lawsuit ‘bounties' case

Gori seeks quick end to asbestos fraud, lawsuit ‘bounties’ case

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Gori Law Firm, considered America’s most prolific filer of asbestos personal injury lawsuits, has pushed back on claims it engaged in...
Texas Ten Commandments law may reach Supreme Court

Texas Ten Commandments law may reach Supreme Court

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A federal appeals court ruling upholding a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms is setting up a potential challenge before the...
Feds reopen probe into LAUSD race-based program

Feds reopen probe into LAUSD race-based program

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has reopened an investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Black Student Achievement Plan following...
Trump won't be rushed on Iran as clock ticking for the regime

Trump won’t be rushed on Iran as clock ticking for the regime

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Time is ticking for Iran, as President Donald Trump says he won’t be rushed into giving a timeline regarding the conflict and ceasefire with Iran....
Multiple House Republicans defy proposed 3-year FISA Section 702 extension

Multiple House Republicans defy proposed 3-year FISA Section 702 extension

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square After two attempts last week to reauthorize a controversial spy power of the federal government, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has unveiled the text of...
Fetterman wants SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken

Fetterman wants SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken

By John ColeThe Center Square U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and three of his colleagues have introduced a bill that would allow beneficiaries in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or...
Lincoln Way West Warriors Baseball

Late Rally Falls Short as Sandburg Edges Lincoln-Way West Baseball 7-6

The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team staged a resilient three-run rally in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game, but host Sandburg pushed across the winning run...
Lincoln Way West Warriors Softball

Late-Inning Offensive Surge Propels Lincoln-Way West Softball Past Lemont 8-2

The Lincoln-Way West varsity softball team utilized a relentless 12-hit offensive attack to secure an 8-2 non-conference home victory over visiting Lemont on Wednesday afternoon. A four-run eruption in the...
Advocates warn of looming debt crisis

Advocates warn of looming debt crisis

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Advocates warned on Thursday the U.S. economy is not growing fast enough to keep pace with the national debt. Ryan Clancy, chief strategist at No...
Bears want more after Illinois House passes megaproject tax incentive bill

Bears want more after Illinois House passes megaproject tax incentive bill

By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House of Representatives passed a megaproject bill that would set up the Chicago Bears for...