Ex-deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey
(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.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
ICE arrests Iowa schools superintendent with criminal record, no work authorization
Miller files ‘parental rights’ constitutional amendment, blasts Illinois’ policies
Department of Energy returning $13B climate agenda funding to taxpayers
Trump directs war secretary to send troops to Portland to protect ICE
Will County to Pay Enbridge $82,000 to Relocate Pipeline Equipment for Exchange Street Improvements
Laraway Road Widening Project in New Lenox and Frankfort Gets Additional $468,000 for Redesign
“Federal Policy Uncertainty” Blamed for Delay of Peotone Solar Farm; County Grants Second Extension
Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers
Will County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township
Trump says he won’t back down on Antifa terrorism designation
Exclusive: DOJ ‘weaponization’ victim still in jail, asking for Trump pardon
Champaign stabbing raises concerns over Illinois mental-health law
