Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home in 2024, was found guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday afternoon.
A second-degree murder conviction carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 29.
“While we believe Grayson’s actions deserved a first-degree conviction, today’s verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey,” civil rights and personal injury lawyers Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci said in a joint statement following the verdict. Crump and Romanucci are the Massey family attorneys. “Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost. We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.”
Following closing arguments on Oct. 28, the jury deliberated for several hours. They told a judge they’d reached a verdict after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Grayson’s trial began on Oct. 20 in Peoria, Ill.
Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, called 911 from her home in Springfield, Ill. on July 6, 2024. She thought there was an intruder in her home. Grayson and another deputy responded to the call. Grayson shot Massey after he questioned how she was handling a pot of hot water from the stove. After the fatal shooting, Grayson was fired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Grayson was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. The jury had the option to find Grayson guilty of first or second-degree murder, or not guilty of either. He pleaded not guilty to all three counts. His lawyer said he was acting in self-defense because he thought Massey was going to throw the pot of water at him.
In February, the family of Sonya Massey and their attorneys, Crump and Romanucci, announced a $10 million settlement in their lawsuit against the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and Sangamon County.
In the aftermath of Massey’s death, Illinois State Sen. Doris Turner (D-48) and Illinois State Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-27) introduced legislation aimed at strengthening background checks and increasing transparency in law enforcement hiring.
Grayson had worked for six different law enforcement agencies in Illinois over four years despite a history of misconduct and convictions for driving under the influence, among other violations.
