Where Is Sonya Massey’s Killer Now? Former Deputy Sean Grayson Sentenced to 20 Years After Bodycam Shooting

Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison for the July 6, 2024, killing of Sonya Massey inside her Springfield, Illinois, home. The shooting — captured on body-worn camera and widely reported — prompted protests, scrutiny of local law enforcement hiring practices, and public comment from President Joe Biden.

Sean GraysonSangamon County Jail

What Happened

On July 6, 2024, Massey, 36, called police to report a possible intruder. Two deputies responded, searched the exterior of her home and were invited inside. Bodycam footage released to the press shows Massey sitting on a couch and then standing to remove a pot of water from the stove. During the encounter she said, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." According to the footage and court reporting, Deputy Sean Grayson warned her to stop and then drew his service weapon. He told her to set down the pot and then fired multiple shots; one struck Massey in the face and killed her.

Sonya Massey, left, talks with Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean GraysonIllinois State Police via AP

Grayson’s Account and the Prosecution’s Case

Grayson later wrote that he believed Massey intended to throw boiling water at him and that he feared imminent harm. He described the encounter in a post-incident report and, during sentencing, apologized, saying, "I made a lot of mistakes that night. I'm sorry." Prosecutors countered that the bodycam footage did not show a clear or immediate threat that justified use of lethal force and argued the shooting was not lawful.

Demonstrators with signs protest the killing of Sonya MasseyJohn Lamparski/Getty

Background: The Victim

Sonya Massey was a 36-year-old Black mother of two — a son, Malachi, and a daughter, Summer. Family members described her as caring and spirited. In the days before her death she experienced a mental health crisis; she had been admitted to a 30-day inpatient program the week before but left after two days. Her mother had called 911 on July 5 to report an emotional crisis and said her daughter was not a threat.

Jimmie Crawford, father of Sonya Massey's daughter Summer Massey, speaks during a press conferenceyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP

Grayson’s Background And Administrative Action

Grayson had been hired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office in May 2023. Reporting indicates he was previously discharged from the U.S. Army for "misconduct (serious offense)" and had two DUI arrests in 2015 and 2016. He was fired by the sheriff’s office on July 17, 2024 — the same day he was charged with murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. Authorities said he did not act in accordance with training or department standards.

Sean GraysonMacon County Jail via AP

Trial, Conviction And Where He Is Now

A jury convicted Grayson of second-degree murder on Oct. 29, 2025. At his sentencing hearing on Jan. 29, 2026, the judge imposed the maximum term allowed under Illinois law for that offense: 20 years in prison. Grayson has been incarcerated since his arrest and is serving his sentence in an Illinois correctional facility.

Why This Case Matters

The shooting of Sonya Massey renewed debate about police use-of-force policies, how law enforcement responds to calls involving people in mental health crises, and the standards used when hiring officers. The case also sparked local protests and national attention because the encounter was captured on video and raised questions about the threshold for lethal force in a residential setting.

Courtroom Moment: Before Grayson’s sentence was read, Massey’s mother told him, "Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," echoing words her daughter had spoken moments before she was shot.

This article synthesizes reporting from The New York Times, Associated Press, ABC News, NBC News, CNN and court records released during the trial.