Former Illinois Deputy Convicted of Killing Sonya Massey Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison

Sean Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 for help.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:39pm

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The former Illinois sheriff's deputy who was convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her Springfield home could be facing up to 20 years behind bars. Sean Grayson was convicted in October of second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911 for help.

Why it matters

Massey's killing raised new questions about law enforcement shootings of Black people in their homes and prompted reforms in Illinois, including more de-escalation training for officers and greater transparency on law enforcement hiring.

The details

According to body camera footage, Grayson and another deputy searched Massey's yard before meeting her at her door. Massey appeared confused and repeatedly said 'Please, God.' The deputies entered her house, and when Massey went to the stove, Grayson drew his gun and ordered her to drop the pot. Massey ducked behind a counter, but Grayson opened fire, shooting her in the face. He testified that he feared Massey would scald him.

  • On July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey called 911 and was fatally shot by Deputy Sean Grayson.
  • In October 2025, Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder.
  • Grayson is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Sean Grayson

A 31-year-old former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy who was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey.

Sonya Massey

A 36-year-old Black woman who struggled with mental health issues and was fatally shot by Deputy Grayson in her Springfield home after calling 911 for help.

Donna Massey

Sonya Massey's cousin who expressed outrage at the jury's decision to convict Grayson of the lesser charge of second-degree murder.

Ben Crump

A civil rights attorney who negotiated a $10 million settlement with Sangamon County for Sonya Massey's relatives.

Sangamon County

The county that agreed to implement more de-escalation training, collect more use-of-force data, and force the sheriff who hired Grayson to retire as part of a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department.

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What they’re saying

“The justice system did exactly what it's designed to do today. It's not meant for us.”

— Sontae Massey, Sonya Massey's cousin

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Thursday whether to sentence Grayson to up to 20 years in prison or grant him probation.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about law enforcement's use of force, particularly against Black individuals, and the need for continued reforms to address systemic issues and rebuild trust between communities and the police.