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A former sheriff’s deputy from Illinois has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the case of Sonya Massey, a Black mother of two who had reached out to 911 for assistance.
Sean Grayson, initially facing charges of first-degree murder, was convicted of the lesser charge on October 29 after a trial lasting a week, according to a report by NBC News. With this conviction, Grayson faces a potential sentence ranging from probation to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for January 29.
Following the jury’s decision, Massey’s family voiced their disappointment, expressing frustration that Grayson was not found guilty of first-degree murder, which would have carried a much harsher sentence of 45 years to life.
“Anyone who saw the video and thought it was partly Sonya’s fault is inhumane,” stated her mother, Donna Massey, as she spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, as reported by KSDK. “I can’t wait till he gets to hell.”
In a released statement, attorneys for Massey, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, described the jury’s verdict as “a measure of justice.”
“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,” they declared in a statement obtained by ABC News. “We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.”
What Happened to Sonya Massey?
Massey was killed inside her Springfield, Illinois home after calling 911 on July 6, 2024 to report a possible prowler.
Grayson—then a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy—and his partner Dawson Farley responded to the call. According to the Associated Press, Massey was experiencing mental health challenges at the time.
Body camera footage shown to the jury captured Massey telling the deputies “Don’t hurt me.” Grayson noticed a pot of boiling water on the stove. He asked Massey to move it and she agreed, appearing to pour it into the sink, per ABC News, until she stopped and said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
Both officers drew their guns. Though Massey began to apologize, Grayson fired three shots, striking her in the face, according to the body camera footage.
Attorneys Argue Over Self Defense Claims in Massey Murder Trial
In court, Grayson testified that he feared for his life and acted in self-defense, believing that Massey was going to throw the scalding water at him. While on the stand, he said that he chose not to draw his Taser because he wasn’t sure it would work, given the clothing Massey was wearing at the time.
However, prosecutors argued otherwise.
“He wants you to believe he was scared,” First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers told the jury, noting Massey had complied and even apologized. “But you don’t have to believe that, because it’s not true.”
Farley—who never fired his weapon and was never charged in connection with the case— also testified that Massey “never did anything that made me think she was a threat,” according to ABC News, and said his awareness that day was only heightened because of Grayson’s actions.
Grayson’s defense attorney Daniel Fultz maintained that the situation “escalated” when Massey “picked the pot back up, stood up, raised it over her head and began to throw it,” NBC News reported.
Although he described her death as a tragedy, he argued it “was not a crime.”
The jury deliberated for nearly 12 hours before reaching its verdict Oct. 29.
Massey’s father James Wilburn told KSDK that he plans to argue for “the max” at Grayson’s sentencing early next year, adding “Nothing less than the max.”
