Former Sheriff's Deputy Sentenced for Second Degree Murder

Thursday, 29 January 2026

Former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy, Sean Grayson, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, Thursday.

In October, a jury convicted former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson of second degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey.

In Summer of 2024, Grayson entered Sonya Massey's home after she called 911 to report a prowler, and eventually shot and killed her.

He shot Massey because she was holding a pot of boiling water, Grayson said.

The shooting was caught on body-worn camera and prompted protests and backlash around the country.

Members of Massey's family have expressed frustration that Grayson wasn't convicted of first degree murder.

They point to statements from Grayson caught on the body cam footage, where he threatened to shoot Massey in the face.

Older Articles Newer Articles