Former Illinois Deputy Sean Grayson Sentenced to 20 Years in Death of Sonya Massey

Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, was sentenced to 20 years in prison plus two years of supervised probation Thursday after being convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 death of 36-year-old Sonya Massey.

Sentencing and Remarks

At the sentencing hearing, Grayson — speaking in court for the first time after his defense presentation — acknowledged wrongdoing and apologized, saying he had made “terrible decisions” the night Massey died. “I was very unprofessional that night,” he told the judge. “She didn’t deserve to be yelled and cussed at and called names. Nobody deserves that.”

Judge Ryan Cadigan of the 7th Judicial Circuit imposed the maximum term allowed under the second-degree murder conviction, saying, "That bit of unreasonable rage needs to be deterred." The judge also denied the defense’s November motion for a new trial during the sentencing hearing.

Family Reaction

Massey’s two children addressed the court for the first time. Her daughter, Summer Massey, 16, described lasting trauma and told the court, “It does not feel like he truly understands or cares about the damage he has caused.” Her son, 19-year-old Malachi Hill Massey, described his pain as “unimaginable,” saying, “My soul is ripped, it’s like a part of me is really dead.” Family members and supporters filled multiple rows of the Springfield courtroom; about 50 protesters gathered outside chanting, “Say her name: Sonya Massey.”

Sonya Massey talks with Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson outside her home in Springfield, Ill., on July 6, 2024. (Illinois State Police via AP file)(Illinois State Police via AP file)

Legal Outcome and Potential Time Served

Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder after jurors were instructed that they could return a lesser charge instead of first-degree murder. Under Illinois law, second-degree murder carries a sentence of four to 20 years. Prosecutors noted Grayson is likely to be eligible for day-for-day credit for good behavior in prison, which could significantly reduce the amount of time actually served — a possibility that would not exist under a first-degree murder conviction. First-degree murder could have exposed Grayson to 45 years to life. Jurors deliberated for nearly 12 hours after closing arguments in October before returning the verdict.

Prosecution, Defense, And Case Background

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, saying a strong penalty is needed to deter similar conduct. The defense, led by attorney Mark Wykoff, argued that incarceration could endanger Grayson’s health; Wykoff detailed a decline in his client’s medical condition, saying Grayson’s cancer diagnosis has progressed and now includes metastases. The judge weighed those claims but still imposed the top sentence available for the conviction.

The case stems from a July 2024 confrontation at Massey’s Springfield home after she called 911 about a possible prowler. Grayson said he believed Massey was going to throw a pot of boiling water at him; prosecutors say Massey complied with an order to drop the pot. During earlier testimony in October, Grayson described feeling threatened and said officers are trained to use force to gain compliance. His remorseful remarks at sentencing contrasted with that prior testimony.

Broader Impact

Massey’s death sparked protests and renewed calls for accountability. The case also helped prompt passage of the Sonya Massey Act in Illinois, which tightens background checks for police hires. The trial and sentencing remain a focal point for discussion about policing, use of force, and accountability in the state.

Originally published on NBCNews.com