January 29, 2026/

Ex-deputy sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting Sonya Massey at her Springfield home in July 2024.

A jury convicted Sean Grayson of second-degree murder Oct. 29. On Thursday morning in Springfield, Judge Ryan Cadigan handed down the maximum allowed sentence for Grayson’s crime.

In a statement from the Massey Commission for Sangamon County, Sonya’s cousin, Sontae Massey, said Sonya’s death would follow her for the rest of her life.

“It is a permanent reminder of what happens when power is exercised without humanity, when a life is treated as disposable,” Sontae Massey stated.

The trial was in Peoria after Grayson’s legal team argued local news coverage of Massey’s death would make it impossible to find an impartial jury.

In the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, Massey called police about a suspected prowler. Two Sangamon County Sheriff deputies arrived on the scene. Body camera footage released by Illinois State Police showed Grayson confronting Massey and threatening to shoot her in the face.

Massey was then shot in the head.

Greg Bishop contributed to this story.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Multiple illegal border crossers killed after causing high-speed pursuits

Multiple illegal border crossers killed after causing high-speed pursuits

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Drivers of vehicles transporting illegal border crossers seeking to evade arrest continue to cause car accidents that result in death, both of U.S. citizens and...
Canada caves to pressure from Trump over Ronald Reagan ad

Canada caves to pressure from Trump over Ronald Reagan ad

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday that he would scrap a $56 million ad campaign that used clips of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan from...
Exclusive: Colorado lawmakers split over limits on taxes

Exclusive: Colorado lawmakers split over limits on taxes

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado Rep. Lorena Garcia is calling for an end to Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights, commonly known as TABOR. “I will say unequivocally that TABOR...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Schools Showcase Student Success in Academics, Athletics, and Arts

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: Administrators from Monroe Elementary and the Jr./Sr. High School presented reports highlighting a wide range of student achievements, from state-level...
Monroe celebrating homecoming.2

A Week of Warrior Pride: Homecoming at Monroe Elementary

School spirit was at an all-time high as Monroe Elementary students dove into a fun and festive homecoming week. The school’s youngest learners were made a special part of the...
Americans on Social Security will see 2.8% benefits boost next year

Americans on Social Security will see 2.8% benefits boost next year

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square More than 70 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits will see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment beginning Jan. 2026. The Social Security Administration made the announcement...
Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions

Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Investors are predicting another rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s meeting next week after a better-than-expected inflation report Friday, while stocks reached new highs. Inflation...
Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission

Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission

By TaLana Hughes | Sickle Cell Disease Association of IllinoisThe Center Square For the 5,000 people in Illinois living with sickle cell disease, access to affordable medical care and life-saving...
India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases

India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries said Friday it will adjust its refining operations to abide with U.S. and European sanctions on purchases of Russian crude oil....
7th Graders have been learning about cells.2

From Creative Cells to Chemical Reactions: Science in Action

In Mr. Harris's science classes, students are engaging in dynamic, hands-on learning across the grade levels. Seventh graders recently brought biology to life, unleashing their creativity to complete their cell...
On her Senior Night, Madi Gelb rises up and powers through the Marshall defense for a resounding kill to score a point for the Lady Warriors. —photo by Terri Cox

Marshall Edges Lady Warriors in Thrilling Senior Night Matchup

Featured image caption: On her Senior Night, Madi Gelb rises up and powers through the Marshall defense for a resounding kill to score a point for the Lady Warriors. —photo...
Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers

Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Springfield proposal grants major tax breaks to “megaprojects,” which critics warn could leave homeowners and...
WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement

WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the executive...
Screenshot 2025-10-23 at 3.16.23 PM

Casey City Council Passes Ordinance Holding Parents Responsible for Minors’ Vandalism

Casey City Council Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey City Council has approved a new ordinance making parents and legal guardians financially liable for ordinance violations, such...
Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations

Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Report: $17,300 state debt per person A new report from Reason Foundation shows that Illinois’ state government has $222 billion in...