Illinois Deputy Sean Grayson Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Shooting Death of Sonya Massey

The victim’s father, James Wilburn, called the jury’s verdict a ’miscarriage of justice.’

In this image taken from body camera video released by Illinois State Police on Monday, July 22, 2024, former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson, left, points his gun at Sonya Massey, who called 911 for help, before shooting and killing her inside her home in Springfield, Ill., on July 6, 2024. Illinois State Police via AP, file

An Illinois jury convicted a former sheriff’s deputy of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old woman, inside her home.

Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson was initially charged with first-degree murder. The Peoria County jury opted to convict him of second-degree murder, a lesser charge with a lower prison sentence.

Massey’s father, James Wilburn, called the jury’s verdict a “miscarriage of justice,” while the attorneys of the victim’s family, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, said that some degree of justice had been served.

“While we believe Grayson’s actions deserved a first-degree conviction, today’s verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey,” Crump and Romanucci said in a statement released after the verdict was announced on Oct. 29.

“Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost. We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.”

The law firm added that Massey’s death led to reforms in the state that set out to “improve police hiring practices.”

The family was also awarded a $10 million civil settlement.

“The family extends deep gratitude to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser and his entire office,” the statement read. “They handled the case with professionalism, transparency, and compassion. Prosecuting a police officer is never easy, but this team did it with courage and integrity.”

State’s Attorney John Milhiser declined to comment on the verdict.

Grayson faces up to 20 years in prison. He will be sentenced on Jan. 29, 2026.

Grayson and another deputy responded to a 911 call at Massey’s home, located about 200 miles south of Chicago, on July 6, 2024, after she reported seeing a prowler.

Prosecutors said that while the deputies were inside her home, Massey moved a pot of hot water from the stove to the counter, which allegedly frightened Grayson. According to the prosecutors, he “aggressively yelled” at Massey and drew his gun.

Massey threw her hands in the air, said, “I’m sorry,” and attempted to duck. Grayson fired three shots, one of which struck Massey, causing her death.

Grayson told investigators that he fired because he believed Massey intended to kill him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.