PEORIA, Ill. (WICS) — A jury has convicted Illinois deputy Sean Grayson of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Springfield woman killed during a police response to her home in July 2024.
Grayson, 31, faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison or probation. Sentencing is scheduled for January 29.
The incident occurred on July 6, 2024, when Grayson and another Sangamon County deputy responded to Massey’s home after she reported a prowler. During the encounter, Grayson shot 36-year-old Massey following a dispute over a pot of hot water she had taken off her stove. Grayson later claimed he feared she would scald him.
Originally charged with first-degree murder, Grayson was convicted on the lesser charge of second-degree murder, which applies when a defendant acts under provocation or an unreasonable belief of self-defense. The conviction carries a penalty of four to 20 years, with potential reduction for good behavior or the possibility of probation.
Body camera footage from deputy Dawson Farley proved pivotal in court, showing Massey pleading, “Don’t hurt me” and “Please, God” moments before she was shot. Farley testified that, while he initially feared for his safety, Massey posed no real threat.
Grayson defended his actions, saying he believed Massey intended to harm him. After the shooting, however, he was recorded saying, “She done. You can go get it, but that’s a head shot,” before discarding his medical kit, remarking, “I’m not even gonna waste my med stuff then.”
Prosecutors argued Grayson’s behavior showed reckless disregard for human life, leading a judge to initially deny him bond. He was later released under Illinois’ Pre-Trial Fairness Act, pending appeal to the state Supreme Court.
The trial lasted eight days, concluding with a unanimous guilty verdict.
