Former Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy Receives 20-Year Sentence for the Killing of Sonya Massey — Acknowledges Acting “Unprofessional”

Former Illinois sheriff’s deputy found guilty of Sonya Massey’s 2024 murder received on Thursday the maximum punishment permitted by state law.

Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in jail, followed by two years of supervised probation after being found guilty of second-degree murder. Massey, a Black mother of two, was killed after contacting 911 to report a possible prowler outside her home in Springfield.

Grayson spoke to the court and admitted his guilt for the first time at sentencing. He said that the night Massey was slain, he made “terrible decisions.”

“I was very unprofessional that night,” Grayson claimed. “She didn’t deserve to be yelled at, cussed at, and called names. No one is worthy of that.

Citing the need for responsibility, Ryan Cadigan of the Illinois 7th Judicial Circuit Court ordered the maximum punishment. In explaining the verdict, Cadigan said Grayson’s conduct proved “that bit of unreasonable rage needs to be deterred.” During the hearing, a defense motion for a new trial that was submitted in November was turned down.

Summer and Malakai, Massey’s kids, testified in court as victim impact statements. Summer Massey informed the judge that the loss of her mother had irrevocably altered her life.

She remarked, “It doesn’t seem like he really comprehends or cares about the damage he has caused.” Malakai Massey characterized his sadness as unbearable, stating, “My soul is ripped, it’s like a part of me is really dead.”

Family members and supporters filled several rows inside the courtroom, while around 50 people gathered outside the Springfield courthouse, screaming Massey’s name. After the penalty was announced, numerous family reacted emotionally, with several standing and waving their fists.

Grayson was convicted after jurors were advised on second-degree murder as a lesser charge instead than first-degree murder. The punishment range for second-degree murder in Illinois is four to 20 years. Under state law, Grayson may be eligible for day-for-day credit, perhaps decreasing the time served.

Prosecutors wanted the maximum punishment. “We would ask for more if the maximum were more,” Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser told the court. Defense attorneys mentioned Grayson’s advanced cancer diagnosis in pleading for mercy.

Massey’s death led to demonstrations statewide and the enactment of the Sonya Massey Act, which toughened background check procedures for law enforcement hiring in Illinois.