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

Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to 'extremist violence'

Report: Soros foundation gave $80M to groups tied to ‘extremist violence’

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Amid President Donald Trump officially designating Antifa a domestic terror organization, a new report details how a prominent billionaire may be funneling millions to extremist...
Colorado economists warn of potential recession, cite tariffs

Colorado economists warn of potential recession, cite tariffs

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado is now expected to be nearly $100 million short of the statutory reserve requirement for fiscal year 2024-2025, according to state economists. This comes...
Colombian President calls for criminal charges against Trump over boat strikes

Colombian President calls for criminal charges against Trump over boat strikes

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for a criminal investigation into President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials after three deadly military strikes on suspected drug...
More than 2 million deportations, self-removals in less than 250 days

More than 2 million deportations, self-removals in less than 250 days

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square More than two million illegal foreign nationals have been removed or have self-deported since January 20, the Department of Homeland Security says. This includes an...
Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case

Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Officer charged in straw gun case A Chicago police officer faces charges for making gun purchases on behalf of someone else transporting them to...
WATCH: Pritzker looks for 4% ‘efficiencies’ after increasing spending 43% since 2019

WATCH: Pritzker looks for 4% ‘efficiencies’ after increasing spending 43% since 2019

By Greg Bishop and Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is looking for 4% "efficiencies" after increasing spending by 43% since...
Lawmakers introduce new visa program legislation

Lawmakers introduce new visa program legislation

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation proposing a new visa program in the United States. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Penn., introduced the Essential Workers...
Lawmakers to vote on bill forcing release of Epstein files

Lawmakers to vote on bill forcing release of Epstein files

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As soon as late October, the U.S. Department of Justice may be compelled to release all its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein if...
Adelita Grijalva wins congressional seat in Arizona

Adelita Grijalva wins congressional seat in Arizona

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Early results show Adelita Grijalva as the winner of the special election in Arizona Congressional District 7, with nearly 70% of the vote.The daughter of...
Authorities say shooting at Dallas ICE facility was 'targeted' attack

Authorities say shooting at Dallas ICE facility was ‘targeted’ attack

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Multiple people have been shot at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas, Texas, including two fatalities, in what law enforcement officials are describing...
Amid Dallas shooting, assaults on ICE up 1,000%

Amid Dallas shooting, assaults on ICE up 1,000%

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Wednesday’s shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas comes as assaults against ICE officers are up more than 1,000% compared to...
IL bans PFAS in firefighter gear by 2027, raising safety, market questions

IL bans PFAS in firefighter gear by 2027, raising safety, market questions

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois firefighters will soon be wearing protective gear free of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” under a...
WATCH: Pritzker blames Trump for budget cut EO; Chicago public safety on Trump’s mind

WATCH: Pritzker blames Trump for budget cut EO; Chicago public safety on Trump’s mind

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 shares reaction from...
Cato scholar calls Trump's Antifa executive order 'idiotic'

Cato scholar calls Trump’s Antifa executive order ‘idiotic’

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A top Cato scholar said President Donald Trump's move to designate Antifa a domestic terror organization was "idiotic." Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow in homeland...
Pro-life group announces $4.5 million for 2026 U.S. Senate race

Pro-life group announces $4.5 million for 2026 U.S. Senate race

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A national pro-life advocacy group has announced plans to invest $4.5 million into Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat ahead of the 2026 election season. The...