On Wednesday, Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser announced that former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson has been charged in the investigation into the death of Sonya Massey. On July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Sangamon County Sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in Springfield. Deputy Grayson, accompanied by another deputy, made contact with the caller, Sonya Massey, at her residence. During the interaction inside her home, Deputy Grayson discharged his firearm, striking and killing Ms. Massey.
The Sangamon County Sheriff's Department immediately contacted the Illinois State Police to conduct an investigation into the shooting. The State's Attorney's Office collaborated closely with the Illinois State Police to ensure a thorough and expedited investigation. The case was evaluated under Illinois law for the use of deadly force. A review of the Illinois State Police investigation, including body-worn camera footage, concluded that Deputy Grayson's use of deadly force was not justified. Consequently, the case was presented to a Sangamon County Grand Jury, which returned a five-count indictment on July 17, 2024. The charges against Grayson include three counts of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Official Misconduct.
Grayson appeared in court on July 18, 2024, for his arraignment hearing. Judge Cadagin agreed with State's Attorney John Milhiser's request to detain Grayson under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, determining that Grayson posed a risk to the public and must remain in custody.
Sheriff Jack Campbell stated, "First and foremost, my heart breaks for the family and friends of Sonya Massey. This is a tragic incident, and we mourn with them and the community.
Immediately upon notification of the shooting, I contacted the Illinois State Police and asked them to conduct the investigation. This tragic incident deserved an independent, swift, and thorough review. I asked the ISP to proceed rapidly but thoroughly, and they have done just that. I thank them for their service, and the service they have provided for our community.
The investigation into the shooting on July 6, 2024, is now complete. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney has filed charges against the deputy involved in the fatal shooting of Ms. Massey. It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. Therefore, Sean Grayson’s employment with the Sheriff's Office has been terminated. It is my understanding that the body cam videos will be released on Monday, July 22nd; I completely support the release of the officers’ body cam videos in their entirety.
The actions taken by Deputy Grayson do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement as a whole. Good law enforcement officers stand with our community in condemning actions that undermine the trust and safety we strive to uphold. In times like these, it is crucial for leadership across all sides and spectrums to come together to heal our community.
We are committed to justice and accountability. With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences. Our office will continue to cooperate fully with the criminal proceedings as this case moves forward. We must continue to trust our justice system and the legal process, and work together as a community so the actions of one person do not divide us."
Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said "Sonya Massey’s murder is a tragedy that reverberates in multiple dimensions. We are powerless to right this wrong. But we can seek justice for the victim and for the community.
I have the highest degree of confidence that Sheriff Jack Campbell and State’s Attorney John Milhiser will do their utmost to achieve the community’s collective will that justice be done. We must not let the tragic decision of one individual besmirch our highly trained and dedicated law enforcement officers. We must redouble our efforts to guard against the recurrence of such a tragedy."
On Wednesday, the family of Sonya Massey met with prosecutors and the State Police in the State's Attorney's Office for an update on the investigation and to view the body-worn camera footage. Following consultation with the family, it was decided that the footage will be released at 2:00pm on Monday, July 22, 2024. The only modifications to the footage will be the blurring of certain images out of respect for Ms. Massey and her family.