Illinois Deputy Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Sonya Massey Case

Thu Oct 30 2025 05:46:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sean Grayson, a former sheriff’s deputy, has been found guilty of second-degree murder for the shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 for help. The case has raised significant concerns about law enforcement practices in the U.S.

An Illinois jury has convicted Sean Grayson, a former sheriff’s deputy, of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who called for assistance. While he faced a first-degree murder charge, the jury’s conviction carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for January 29. The tragic incident has sparked discussions on police responses to emergency calls, especially concerning individuals with mental health challenges, prompting changes in Illinois law regarding transparency in police hiring.

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, though, did not convict Sean Grayson on the first-degree murder charge that prosecutors sought and that carries a prison sentence of 45 years to life. The 31-year-old Grayson instead could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, or probation. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 29.

Grayson and another deputy arrived at Massey’s home in Springfield, Illinois, early on the morning of July 6, 2024, after she reported a prowler. Grayson shot the 36-year-old woman after confronting her about how she was handling a pot of hot water she had removed from her stove. Grayson and his attorneys argued that he feared Massey would scald him with the hot water.

Massey’s killing raised new questions about U.S. law enforcement shootings of Black people in their homes, and prompted a change in Illinois law requiring fuller transparency on the background of candidates for law enforcement jobs.

Grayson originally was charged with first-degree murder, but after the seven-day trial, the jury was given the option of considering second-degree murder, which applies when a defendant faces a 'serious provocation' or believes their action is justified even if that belief is unreasonable.

He could be sentenced from four to 20 years, a sentence that could be halved if he behaves behind bars. He could also be sentenced to probation and avoid prison time entirely.

Body camera video recorded by the other Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy on the scene that morning was a key part of the prosecution’s case. It showed Massey, who struggled with mental health issues, telling the officers, “Don’t hurt me,” and repeating, “Please God.” When the deputies entered the house, Grayson ordered Massey to move the pot. During the confrontation, he believed her behavior was a threat and fired three shots, hitting her just below the eye.

Massey’s family settled a lawsuit against the county for $10 million and state lawmakers changed laws to increase transparency in law enforcement hiring practices.