Former Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted in the Killing of Sonya Massey
Former deputy Sean Grayson of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office was found guilty of murder in the July 2024 death of Sonya Massey, who had called 911 to report a possible intruder at her Springfield home. The trial, which concluded on October 28, 2025, centered on the circumstances surrounding the deputy’s response to the emergency call and the subsequent use of lethal force.
According to court records, Massey placed the 911 call at approximately 2:45 a.m., describing a “prowler” near her residence. Grayson, along with another deputy, arrived on the scene within minutes. Surveillance footage released during the proceedings showed the deputies confronting Massey in the driveway, after which Grayson discharged his weapon, striking her fatally. Prosecutors argued that the force was excessive and not justified by any immediate threat.
Defense attorneys contended that the deputies acted in self‑defense, asserting that Massey appeared to be armed and was advancing toward them. However, the jury rejected this argument, citing inconsistencies in the deputies’ statements and the lack of corroborating evidence of a weapon on Massey’s person. After deliberating for three days, jurors returned a verdict of first‑degree murder, accompanied by a conviction for aggravated assault.
The conviction marks a rare instance of a law‑enforcement officer being held criminally accountable for on‑duty conduct in Illinois. Legal experts noted that the case could set a precedent for future accountability measures, while civil‑rights groups praised the outcome as a step toward greater transparency and trust between police and the communities they serve. The state’s attorney’s office announced plans to review department policies regarding use‑of‑force and emergency response protocols.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 2026, where Grayson faces a potential term of 15 to 30 years in prison, along with restitution to Massey’s family. The case continues to spark discussion among policymakers about the need for comprehensive training and oversight to prevent similar tragedies. Local authorities have pledged to implement additional de‑escalation training for deputies as part of a broader effort to rebuild public confidence.
