Sonya Massey has received another round of justice. A jury found former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder on October 29. While this isn’t the original count of first-degree murder sought by prosecutors, it still recognizes that Grayson is accountable for his deadly actions.
Massey’s attorney team, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, have released the following statement in response to the verdict:
“While we believe Grayson’s actions deserved a first-degree conviction, today’s verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey. Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost,” they shared.
“We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.”
On the morning of July 6, 2024, Massey, 36, called the police to her home in Springfield, Illinois, because she believed there was a prowler on the premises.
Through what has been described as a series of chaotic events, Massey picked up a pot of boiling water and exchanged words with the two officers who arrived on the scene, Grayson, whose shot to the face ended Massey’s life. From the time of the officers’ entry into Massey’s home to her unlawful murder, the events all took place in a matter of 45 seconds.
The Illinois State Police released Bodycam footage of the deadly interaction on July 24, 2024. One of the biggest points of contention in this incident is that Grayson allegedly refused to tend to Massey as she lay dying and ordered his fellow officer not to assist as well.
Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He entered a not-guilty plea.
The death of Sonya Massey led to significant reforms in Illinois, including the passage of the Sonya Massey Law to improve police hiring practices and a $10 million civil settlement for her family.
Massey’s attorneys thanked those working on the case in their statement. “The family extends deep gratitude to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser and his entire office. They handled the case with professionalism, transparency, and compassion. Prosecuting a police officer is never easy, but this team did it with courage and integrity.”