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

Documentary shows cost of personal injury lawsuit abuse

Documentary shows cost of personal injury lawsuit abuse

By Chris Dickerson | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A new documentary aims to shine a light on what happens when American citizens are victimized by the personal injury lawsuit system....
Illinois congresswoman files impeachment articles against Noem

Illinois congresswoman files impeachment articles against Noem

By Catrina BakerThe Center Square Politicians around the country are backing calls to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced she filed articles of impeachment over...
Military removing some personnel from bases in Middle East

Military removing some personnel from bases in Middle East

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. military is withdrawing certain personnel from bases throughout the Middle East as President Donald Trump weighs “serious options” against the Iranian regime, according...
Cost estimates vary, even as Denmark says Greenland is not for sale

Cost estimates vary, even as Denmark says Greenland is not for sale

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's plans to acquire Greenland could cost U.S. taxpayers up front and over the long term. Denmark's leaders have said the semi-autonomous Danish...
U.S. Supreme Court allows IL rep to sue over late ballots

U.S. Supreme Court allows IL rep to sue over late ballots

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, said an Illinois congressman has the right to sue the state over counting federal election ballots beyond...
Rotary

50 Years of Richards Farm Restaurant Celebrated

The Casey Rotary Club celebrated 50 Years of Richards Farm Restaurant with members of the Richards family at Tuesday's weekly meeting. Richards family members pictured above (l to r) are...
IL advocates warn permanent mail-in ballots could be exploited

IL advocates warn permanent mail-in ballots could be exploited

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois election integrity advocates are raising concerns about the state’s permanent mail-in ballot program in the...
Illinois Quick Hits: State spends $87M on ISU fine arts project

Illinois Quick Hits: State spends $87M on ISU fine arts project

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined officials at Illinois State University on Tuesday to break ground on the...
WATCH: Legislator warns tax dollars used to impede ICE; Pritzker and Trump talk crime

WATCH: Legislator warns tax dollars used to impede ICE; Pritzker and Trump talk crime

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 comments from...
Trump visits Michigan to promote economic 'turnaround'

Trump visits Michigan to promote economic ‘turnaround’

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump returned to Michigan on Tuesday to tout the economy and the auto industry. During his visit, Trump spoke to the Detroit Economic...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council for Jan. 5, 2026

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 The Casey City Council met on Monday, January 5, 2026, to address a variety of infrastructure and...
Music, drama teacher sues Catholic HS over ‘anti-gay’ discrimination

Music, drama teacher sues Catholic HS over ‘anti-gay’ discrimination

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A gay man who was fired from the position of music and theater director at Marquette High School in Alton has filed...
Fed charges: Yemeni, Haitian nationals stole millions in SNAP benefits

Fed charges: Yemeni, Haitian nationals stole millions in SNAP benefits

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square It’s not just Somalians in Minnesota charged in a widescale scheme to defraud taxpayer-funded federal welfare programs. Haitian and Yemeni immigrants have also been charged...
Illinois Quick Hits: IDPH accountability officer fired

Illinois Quick Hits: IDPH accountability officer fired

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former chief grant accountability officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health is being held accountable...
Los Angeles County considers creating ICE-free zones

Los Angeles County considers creating ICE-free zones

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a comment from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Los Angeles County...