Former Deputy Sean Grayson Found Guilty in Killing of Sonya Massey

The conviction of former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson for the killing of 36-year-old Sonya Massey represents a crucial moment of accountability that many see as long overdue. On October 29, a Peoria jury found Grayson guilty of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Massey, an unarmed Black woman who had called police for help during a mental health crisis. “Accountability has begun,” said attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, calling the verdict “a measure of justice for Sonya Massey.” Though the family wished for a first-degree conviction, they expressed hope that the upcoming sentencing “will reflect the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost.”

Body camera footage revealed Massey posed no threat when Grayson shot her. After being told to remove a pot of boiling water from her stove, she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson replied, “You better not,” before warning he would shoot her. Moments later, after Massey apologized and ducked behind her counter, Grayson fired three shots, one striking her in the face. His partner later testified he “was not threatened,” reinforcing prosecutors’ claim that Grayson’s actions were unjustified and reckless. “Those are the last words Sonya said before the defendant murdered her,” State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers told jurors during closing arguments.

For many, Grayson’s conviction sends a message that no badge places someone above the law. The shooting triggered a federal investigation and widespread outrage, particularly after it was revealed Grayson had a history of misconduct—including DUIs and a discharge from the Army for “serious misconduct.” Within weeks of the killing, he was fired and arrested, and Sangamon County settled a $10 million lawsuit with Massey’s family—the largest in its history. The sheriff later resigned amid calls for systemic change in how officers respond to mental health crises.

As Massey’s cousin Sontae said outside court, “We want Sonya to still be here… that could have happened if they had done their jobs.” The guilty verdict, though not a full remedy, affirms that justice can prevail when the system finally holds its own accountable.

Link: USA Today