Former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson was found guilty Wednesday in the 2024 murder of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mom who was shot after calling 911 for help.
Grayson was initially charged with three counts of first-degree murder; however, a jury of eight women and four men convicted him on a lesser charge of second-degree murder, effectively allowing the ex-officer to dodge a life sentence. Sonya Massey’s family reacted to the verdict in an emotional sitdown with CBS Mornings, saying they weren’t pleased with the jury’s decision.
"He told my child he would shoot her in the F-ing face, and he did it,” said Sonya Massey’s dad, James Wilburn. “And all we got was a second-degree murder conviction out of this?"
Massey’s cousin Sontae Massey expressed similar frustration while speaking to reporters Wednesday.
“The justice system did exactly what it’s designed to do,” Sontae Massey said, per Capital City Now. “It’s not meant for us. I will dedicate my life to dismantling the system that created this problem. The fight has just begun for me.”
Sonya Massey was killed in the early hours of July 6, 2024, after she called police to report a suspected prowler outside her home near Springfield, Illinois. Grayson and another officer arrived at the scene around 1 a.m., and began having a verbal exchange with Sonya Massey, who had a history of mental health struggles. Shortly after entering Sonya Massey’s home, Grayson ordered the woman to move a pot of boiling water from the stove. Sonya Massey picked up the pot and was heard saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” It was at the moment when Grayson and his partner drew their weapons.
Body cam footage showed Sonya Massey immediately apologize and duck behind a kitchen counter. Seconds later, Grayson opens fire, shooting Sonya Massey three times in the head. The other officer called for a medical kit; however, Grayson objected to the request.
“Dude, she’s done. You can go get it if you want, but she’s done,” Grayson is heard saying.
The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office terminated Grayson the same day he was hit with a first-degree murder charge. The ex-officer pleaded not guilty, claiming he felt threatened by the aforementioned pot of boiling water and was acting in self-defense.
Grayson is now facing a four- to 20-year prison sentence or simply probation.
Teresa Haley, a friend of the Massey family, told CBS Mornings that she felt “sorry” for Grayson’s relatives.
“The mother came over and apologized,” Haley recalled. “She said, ‘We did not raise [Grayson] that way, and I’m really sorry for your family.’ My heart goes out to them. We lost Sonya, but they lost a son. And what he did [to] Sonya, he has to pay. And they realize that.”
Grayson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2026.