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Former Illinois Deputy Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Unarmed Black Woman
Sonya Massey, 36, was shot by ex-deputy Sean Grayson after calling 911 about a possible intruder in her home.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:39am
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An Illinois judge sentenced former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson to the maximum 20 years in prison for the 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, an unarmed 36-year-old Black woman, in her Springfield home. Massey had called 911 to report a possible intruder, and Grayson and another deputy entered her home, leading to a confrontation where Grayson shot Massey as she complied with orders to drop a pot of boiling water.
Why it matters
The case has drawn national attention as another high-profile instance of a law enforcement officer using excessive force against a Black American. Massey's family was previously awarded a $10 million settlement from Sangamon County over her death.
The details
According to court testimony, Grayson and another deputy entered Massey's home after she called 911 about a possible intruder. At some point, Massey was holding a pot of boiling water that the deputies asked her to check on. Grayson's attorneys claimed he thought Massey was going to throw the pot at him, but prosecutors said Massey complied with orders to drop the pot before Grayson shot and killed her.
- On July 2024, Sonya Massey called 911 to report a possible intruder in her home.
- In October 2025, Sean Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in Massey's death.
- On January 30, 2026, Grayson was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison.
The players
Sean Grayson
A former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy who was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey.
Sonya Massey
A 36-year-old unarmed Black woman who was fatally shot by Grayson in her home after she called 911 to report a possible intruder.
Mary Beth Rodgers
The First Assistant State's Attorney who told the court that Massey complied with orders to drop the pot of water before Grayson shot and killed her.
Ryan Cadigan
The judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois who sentenced Grayson to the maximum 20 years in prison, stating that Grayson's "bit of unreasonable rage needs to be deterred."
Mark Wykoff
Grayson's defense attorney who asked the judge to spare Grayson prison time due to his Stage 3 colon cancer.
What they’re saying
“That bit of unreasonable rage needs to be deterred.”
— Judge Ryan Cadigan, 7th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois
“I apologize to the family for my actions and terrible decisions that night.”
— Sean Grayson
What’s next
The judge's 20-year sentence for Grayson is the maximum punishment allowed under Illinois law for a second-degree murder conviction.
The takeaway
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of excessive force by law enforcement against Black Americans, and the need for continued scrutiny and accountability around police shootings of unarmed civilians.
