Former Illinois deputy sentenced to 20 years for killing Black woman

Sean Grayson apologized to Sonya Massey's family, acknowledging he 'made terrible decisions' the night she was fatally shot

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who had called 911 to report a possible intruder at her home in Springfield, Illinois. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 and apologized to Massey's family, saying he 'made terrible decisions' the night she was killed.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, particularly against Black individuals, and the need for greater accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Massey's family expressed fear of calling the police after her death, underscoring the broader impact on community trust.

The details

Body camera footage showed Grayson, who was inside Massey's home, pointing to a pot of boiling water on her stove and telling her to 'walk away from your hot steaming water.' Massey then appears to pour the water into the sink and says 'I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,' before Grayson threatens to shoot her. As Massey briefly rises with her hands up, Grayson shoots her three times in the face, killing her. Grayson claimed he believed Massey was going to throw the scalding water on him and was scared.

  • On July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey was fatally shot by Sean Grayson.
  • In October 2025, Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder.
  • On January 29, 2026, Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The players

Sean Grayson

A former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy who was convicted of second-degree murder for the 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey.

Sonya Massey

A Black woman who was fatally shot by Sean Grayson in her home in 2024 after calling 911 to report a possible intruder.

Donna Massey

The mother of Sonya Massey, who delivered a victim impact statement at Grayson's sentencing hearing.

Malachi Massey

The 17-year-old son of Sonya Massey, who delivered a victim impact statement at Grayson's sentencing hearing.

Summer Massey

The 15-year-old daughter of Sonya Massey, who delivered a victim impact statement at Grayson's sentencing hearing.

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What they’re saying

“I wish there was something I could do to bring her back. I wish this didn't happen. I wish they [Massey's family] didn't have to go through this experience. I am very sorry.”

— Sean Grayson

“There were points when I should've acted, and I didn't — I froze. I made terrible decisions that night. I'm sorry.”

— Sean Grayson

“Today, I'm afraid to call the police in fear that I might end up like Sonya.”

— Donna Massey

“Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

— Donna Massey

“I had to step up at 17. I had nowhere to go or nothing. I was just lost. I'm figuring it out a little bit now, but I still need my mom … It's like a part of me is dead.”

— Malachi Massey

What’s next

The judge in the case denied Grayson's request for a new trial on the morning of the sentencing hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of police accountability and the need for greater transparency and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, particularly for Black individuals who continue to face disproportionate use of force by police.