Former Illinois Deputy Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Sonya Massey

Grayson expressed remorse but motion for retrial was denied

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Sean Grayson, a former sheriff's deputy in Illinois, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday for shooting and killing Sonya Massey at her home in 2024. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder after responding to Massey's 911 call about a possible intruder and escalating the situation, which was recorded on body cam. Massey's family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues around police use of force, especially in situations involving mental health crises or misunderstandings. It also raises questions about accountability for law enforcement officers who abuse their power and the need for better de-escalation training.

The details

In July 2024, Sonya Massey called 911 to report a possible intruder at her home in Springfield, Illinois. Grayson and another deputy responded to the call. Grayson claimed he thought Massey threatened to throw boiling water at him, leading to an escalating verbal dispute that resulted in Grayson shooting Massey three times in the face. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday, with an additional 2 years of supervised probation.

  • Massey called 911 on July 6, 2024 to report a possible intruder.
  • Grayson and another deputy responded to the call.
  • Grayson shot and killed Massey on July 6, 2024.
  • Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025.
  • Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison on January 29, 2026.

The players

Sean Grayson

A former sheriff's deputy in Illinois who was convicted of second-degree murder for shooting and killing Sonya Massey in 2024.

Sonya Massey

A woman in Springfield, Illinois who was shot and killed by former deputy Sean Grayson after she called 911 to report a possible intruder at her home.

Ben Crump

A civil rights attorney who was retained by Massey's family to represent them.

Malachi

Sonya Massey's son, who gave a statement during the sentencing hearing expressing that he had felt "lost" since his mother's death.

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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

“I'd felt 'lost' ever since Grayson shot and killed my mother.”

— Malachi, Sonya Massey's son

What’s next

The judge denied Grayson's motion for a retrial that was filed in November.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for better police training, accountability, and de-escalation tactics to prevent unnecessary use of force, especially in situations involving mental health crises or misunderstandings. The Massey family's pursuit of justice through civil rights attorney Ben Crump also highlights the ongoing struggle for equal treatment and transparency in law enforcement.