Former Deputy Convicted of Murder in Fatal Shooting of Sonya Massey

Thu Oct 30 2025 17:04:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A jury in Illinois has convicted ex-deputy Sean Grayson of second-degree murder for the shooting of Sonya Massey, a black woman who called 911 for help. Grayson could face up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for January 29.

In a pivotal case highlighting policing issues, former sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder for shooting Sonya Massey, a woman who called 911 seeking assistance. While Grayson was acquitted of first-degree murder, he could still face a maximum sentence of 20 years. The incident raised significant concerns over police response practices, particularly involving mental health crises, pushing Illinois lawmakers to mandate more transparency in law enforcement hiring processes. Grayson's assertion of fearing for his safety during the altercation remains a focal point of the case.

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois jury on Wednesday convicted a former sheriff’s deputy of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a black woman who called 911 asking for help.

The jurors were not convinced to convict Sean Grayson on the first-degree murder charge that prosecutors sought, which carries a much harsher penalty. He faces a sentence that could range from probation to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for Jan. 29.

On July 6, 2024, Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey’s home in Springfield, Illinois, after she reported a prowler. Things escalated when he shot the 36-year-old woman after confronting her about a pot of hot water she had removed from the stove.

The situation raised big questions about U.S. police practices, especially in interactions with black individuals in their own homes, also prompting changes in Illinois legislation that demands more transparency in law enforcement candidate backgrounds.

Grayson claimed he feared for his safety, arguing Massey intended to harm him, but his statements, along with body camera footage, added to the prosecution’s case against him. The footage showed Massey pleading for her life as she was shot.

This case has not only affected Grayson’s future but also stirred societal movements pushing for better police training, mental health crisis intervention, and overall reforms in law enforcement accountability.