Ex-deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey

January 29, 2026/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

Latest News Stories

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for February 17, 2026

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 17, 2026 The Frankfort Village Board met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to handle routine financial business and hear significant public testimony regarding regional...

Board Approves $479,000 Wireless Network Overhaul to Replace Aging Tech

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved a $479,526.96 contract with CDW to replace the indoor wireless access points...

Illinois quick hits: Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guaranteed income for moms on Medicaid Chicago Democrats have introduced legislation that would provide guaranteed income for new and expectant mothers...

IL can gag charter school operators over teacher unionization, judge says

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois Democratic state lawmakers can constitutionally force charter school operators into silence when Democratic-allied teachers unions attempt to organize their workforces, under...

Consumer advocates, Illinois lawmakers target ‘unnecessary’ utility costs

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Energy consumer advocates are urging support for legislation they say will save Illinoisans from paying for hidden...

Large taxpayer costs coming to Indiana or Illinois for new Bears stadium

By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Lawmakers in both Indiana and Illinois continue to jockey for position as the Chicago Bears request a...

Auditor general nomination approved unanimously in Illinois

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers will soon have a new watchdog approved unanimously by the state Senate. Illinois Auditor General...

Parents could gain access to school discipline evidence under proposed bill

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are weighing legislation that would require public schools to share all evidence used to...

Illinois Democrats dispute Trump statements during State of the Union

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump spewed lies and attempted to gaslight the American people during...

Illinois Quick Hits: State taxpayers to help restore historic Chicago hotel

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says $21 million in state capital funds will unlock more than $83 million...

Illinois racial wealth gap among largest in country

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois ranked the eighth-worst state in the country for its racial wealth gap, Democratic State...

Judge: Right to sue under IL biometrics law too important to end suit vs Meta

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, can't use its user agreement to escape yet another potentially massive payout from a...

Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive...

Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes

Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee repealed county regulations regarding motor stunt events and removed...

Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: A Manhattan Township homeowner received unanimous approval for three variances to expand a pole barn, despite county...

« Previous
1
…
97
98
99
100
101
…
211
Next »