Sean Grayson Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Massey Case

A Peoria jury on Wednesday convicted former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson of second-degree murder in the July 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother who had called 911 to report a suspected prowler at her Springfield home. The jury deliberated nearly 12 hours before returning the verdict less than two weeks after opening arguments in the moved trial.

Prosecutors had charged Grayson with first-degree murder, which carries a 45-years-to-life sentence. Jurors were instructed on both first- and second-degree murder; the lesser conviction carries a penalty of four to 20 years in prison or probation. Grayson, 31, was fired after the shooting and faces sentencing in January.

The case centered on body-worn camera footage and testimony showing Grayson and another deputy entering Massey’s house in the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, after she reported a prowler. Video shown at trial captured an exchange over a pot of steaming water on the stove. According to the footage and testimony, Massey removed the pot and at one point said, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Grayson shouted at her to drop the pan, threatened to shoot and then fired three times,...