Former Sangamon Deputy Sean Grayson Gets 20-Year Term for Sonya Massey Killing

A judge sentenced former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson to the maximum 20 years in prison for the second-degree murder of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, who was shot inside her Springfield home after calling 911 to report a possible intruder. The sentence was imposed after a jury convicted Grayson in October 2025 and a judge denied his request for a new trial on the morning of sentencing.

Prosecutors said the punishment was needed to hold Grayson accountable and to deter similar conduct. Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser asked the court for the maximum term, saying, "If the max were more, we would ask for more," and calling the sentence necessary to "deter others from committing the same crime." Defense attorney Mark Wykoff argued that imprisonment would endanger Grayson’s health, telling the court, "As your honor is aware, Grayson was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023. That has now spread to his liver, and now he has Stage 4 cancer, separate and apart from the Stage 4 colon cancer, in the form of rectal cancer, and cancer to his liver and cancer to his lungs."

Body camera footage played a central role at trial and was the subject of defense motions. The video, admitted into evidence, showed Grayson inside Massey’s home pointing to a pot of boiling water on the stove and saying, "Walk away from your hot steaming water." The footage also captured bystanders repeating a line Massey reportedly told Grayson before she was shot: "Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Grayson’s attorneys had argued the body camera video should not have been shown to jurors; the judge rejected that argument.

The jury was instructed on both first- and second-degree murder, initially charging Grayson with first-degree murder. Jury deliberations lasted roughly a half day to a full day, described by one account as "almost 12 hours" and by another as "more than 12 hours of deliberation spread across two days." Under Illinois law as explained at trial, second-degree murder is a Class 1 felony carrying 4 to 20 years in prison or probation; first-degree murder carries a significantly higher exposure, with one report describing a 20–60 year range and another noting it could carry 45 years to life in prison.

Family members spoke at the hearing and at rallies outside the Sangamon County Complex on sentencing day. Sonya Massey’s son, Malachi, told court, "I had to step up at 17. I had nowhere to go or nothing. I was just lost. I'm figuring it out a little bit now, but I still need my mom ... it's like a part of me is dead." Cousin Sontae Massey said Sonya’s death "shattered" the family.

Records reviewed by reporters show Grayson had prior disciplinary issues at previous agencies, including an Army discharge for misconduct and complaints at the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. Family attorney Ben Crump said the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an assessment into the case; the DOJ said it is "assessing the circumstances" and is following the criminal proceedings.

For readers in Springfield and beyond, the ruling closes a criminal chapter but leaves open federal review, potential civil actions, and questions about hiring and oversight of officers with prior discipline. Court transcripts, the judge’s written sentencing order, and any federal findings will shape next steps for accountability and community safeguards.