Victim Identified: Jurors Convict Illinois Deputy in Death of Sonya Massey
A jury has convicted former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who called 911 for help after reporting a prowler at her home on July 6, 2024.
The panel could not agree on the more serious charge of first-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence. Grayson now faces up to 20 years in prison or possible probation when sentenced on January 29.
Body camera footage played during the trial showed Massey pleading, “Please God, don’t hurt me,” moments before she was fatally shot. Prosecutors said Grayson overreacted when Massey moved a pot of hot water on her stove, firing three times and striking her below the eye.
Massey’s family and supporters expressed outrage at the lesser conviction, calling it “a miscarriage of justice.”
The shooting sparked national outrage and prompted federal and state reforms, including a $10 million civil settlement and a new Illinois law requiring transparency in law enforcement hiring.
Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci called the verdict “a measure of justice” but said true accountability remains unfinished.
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