Grayson Sentenced in Fatal Shooting of Sonya Massey

A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy was sentenced Thursday to the maximum prison term allowed under Illinois law for the fatal 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey.

Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911 seeking assistance at her Springfield home. The verdict, returned last fall, rejected the defense’s claim that Grayson acted in self-defense while responding to the call.

Grayson addressed the court prior to sentencing, expressing remorse for Massey’s death. In imposing the sentence, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the responsibility carried by officers entrusted with public safety.

In a statement, the Massey Commission said the maximum sentence represented “real accountability,” rejecting what it described as attempts to minimize the loss of Massey’s life. The commission said the courtroom response reflected relief not because justice was complete, but because “for once, the system did not look away.”

“Sonya Massey’s murder should never have happened. Today, the person responsible has been held accountable through the maximum sentence allowed under the law. I want to thank the Court and the State’s Attorney’s Office. We understand that no sentence can undo the loss suffered by the Massey family or the pain felt across our community,” said Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch. “The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office will continue strengthening training and oversight and ensuring that every call for help is handled with care, professionalism, and respect for human life.”

“Nothing will bring Sonya back. Today’s sentencing does not change the fact Sean Grayson took an innocent life. I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya,” said State Senator Doris Turner. “Since Sonya’s murder, I’ve been committed to making the necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who protect and serve, and I’m dedicated to continuing this work now more than ever.”

Governor JB Pritzker also issued a statement following the sentencing. “Sonya Massey will not be forgotten. Nothing we ever say or do will bring her back, but today’s decision is a step toward change and justice. May her memory be a blessing and may it continue to fuel our work to build a system that protects all its citizens,” Pritzker said.

The case was tried in Peoria County after being moved from Sangamon County due to extensive publicity and public scrutiny. A Peoria County jury heard six days of testimony, reviewed body-camera footage, and deliberated for roughly 12 hours before finding Grayson guilty of second-degree murder.

The case has prompted ongoing discussions across Illinois about law enforcement training, responses to mental health-related calls, and departmental oversight following the use of deadly force by police.