Former Illinois Deputy Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Shooting of Sonya Massey

A jury has found Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, guilty of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in July 2024. Massey had called 911 to report a possible intruder in her Springfield, Illinois, home when the incident occurred. Sentencing for Grayson is scheduled for January 29, 2026.

The Shooting

Body camera footage from Grayson’s partner, who was also on the scene, showed the fatal encounter in Massey’s kitchen. The video captured Grayson pointing to a pot of boiling water on the stove and warning, “We don’t need a fire while we’re in here.” Massey responded, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” and ducked behind a counter with a red oven mitt covering her face. Moments later, Grayson shot Massey three times in the face as she raised her hands and apologized.

“When you threaten to shoot someone in the face, and you do, that’s first-degree murder,” Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers said in closing arguments. Rodgers argued that Grayson repeatedly lied on the stand, including claims that he tried to activate his body camera before the shooting.

Grayson did not turn on his own body camera until after the shooting, leaving the primary visual record to his partner’s footage.

The Trial

Grayson faced three charges: first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. The jury ultimately convicted him of second-degree murder.

The trial included testimony from both Grayson and his partner. Grayson claimed he feared Massey was about to throw boiling water at him and that he could not safely use his taser. His partner testified that Massey did not appear threatening before Grayson fired.

“The defendant let his emotions dictate the outcome of what happened in Sonya Massey’s kitchen,” Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser said during closing arguments.

Prosecutors emphasized that Massey’s actions did not pose an immediate threat and that Grayson had alternative options for subduing her. The body camera footage, displayed in court, prompted visible reactions from Massey’s family, with several leaving the courtroom or crying.

Jury and Venue

The trial was moved from Sangamon County to Peoria County due to extensive media coverage. The jury consisted of nine white women, one Black man, and two white men, with three alternates. Deliberations followed seven days of testimony and evidence presentation.

Grayson’s defense attorney, Daniel Fultz, argued that while Massey’s death was tragic, it was not criminal, and emphasized the jury should not let personal feelings toward Grayson influence their decision.

What’s Next

Grayson now faces sentencing in January 2026, where the court will determine the length of his prison term for the second-degree murder conviction. The case underscores ongoing debates about police use of force, body camera protocols, and accountability in law enforcement.