Ex-sheriff's deputy sentenced to 20 years in Sonya Massey killing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. ‒ The former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two children, in her home in 2024 was sentenced to 20 years in prison at a Jan. 29 hearing.

The sentence for Sean Grayson, 31, effectively works out to 10 years because he will serve it at 50% per Illinois statute. He will get credit for time served.

Presiding Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin read the sentence.

Grayson, in a county-issued jumpsuit and handcuffed, entered the courtroom at 9:02 a.m. He was seated at the defense table.

Earlier, Cadagin denied a motion for a new trial for Grayson.

Under the second-degree murder conviction by a Peoria County jury made up of nine women and three men, Grayson, who is white, could have faced a 20-year maximum sentence. At the other end, Grayson was probation eligible.

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Massey's mother, Donna Massey of Springfield, mimicked her daughter's words in her home to Grayson, telling the court, "Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

James Wilburn of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, said Grayson has been unrepentant since the fatal shooting.

"I'll never get to hear her say, 'Daddy, I love you,' again," Wilburn said.

Malachi Hill-Massey, Massey's son, said his "soul is ripped" by the loss of his mother.

Massey's daughter, Jeanette "Summer" Massey, said her mother's death was "a traumatic experience" and that she feels the loss every day. She added that she was deeply affected mentally, socially and emotionally.

Other letters of support for the state were submitted.

Grayson spoke before the sentencing came down and said, "No words I can say to take back the anger and hurt I caused."

Character letters for Grayson were also submitted to the court.

Outside of the courthouse, protesters braved single-degree temperatures, calling for a maximum sentence for Grayson.

Grayson, who was fired from the department, was charged with first-degree murder by Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser. The jury also was given a second-degree instruction and returned with a conviction after deliberating more than 12 hours over two days.  

Second-degree murder occurs when a person kills another while "acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation."

Grayson had been facing 45 years to life in prison on a first-degree murder conviction.

The trial was moved out of Springfield because of pre-trial publicity, but the sentencing was brought back there.

Despite the efforts of his attorneys, Daniel Fultzand Mark Wykoff, Grayson has remained jailed since his arrest.

Wykoff said Grayson was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023 but has now been diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer and cancer to his liver and lungs.

The case gained national attention ‒ President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. JB Pritzker all commented on it ‒ after body-worn camera footage from the deputies was released. The footage was played several times at the trial.

Grayson and another deputy were called to Massey's home on the suspicion of a prowler.

The Massey family has been generally critical of the second-degree murder conviction.

Wilburn has called for the Sonya Massey Act to become the law of the land. The landmark legislation, signed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Aug. 12, 2025, seeks to improve police hiring practices.

Late in 2025, the Massey Commission issued in its final report dozens of calls to action to serve as recommendations for city, county and state officials.

Among its recommendations was that the county set up a 708 Mental Health Board. That question will go before county voters on March 17.

Massey was the subject of a 911 call in Springfield made by her mother who said she was having "a mental breakdown." It came a little more than 12 hours before she was fatally shot.