An Illinois jury on Wednesday found sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 to report a possible prowler but was fatally shot in her own home.
Grayson, a deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, was acquitted of first-degree murder — a decision that left Massey’s family and community members deeply frustrated. “She called for help and she was murdered in her own home,” said civil rights activist Teresa Haley. “Second-degree murder is not justice for anybody’s family.”
What Happened the Night of the Shooting
The fatal incident occurred just before 1 a.m. on July 6, 2024, after Massey called police to report a suspected prowler. Grayson and another deputy responded to the home and discovered a black SUV with broken windows in the driveway.
Body camera footage from Grayson’s partner — Grayson’s own camera was not activated until after the shooting — showed the deputies knocking on the door. When Massey answered several minutes later, she appeared frightened, saying, “Don’t hurt me.”
Inside, Massey searched her purse for identification while the deputies investigated. At one point, Grayson noticed a pot of water boiling on the stove and told her to turn it off. Massey complied, removing the pot from the burner. Moments later, she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” prompting Grayson to shout profanities, threaten to shoot her, and draw his weapon.
Despite Massey’s apology and the clear separation between them — she was standing in the kitchen while he remained in the living room — Grayson fired three shots, one of which struck her in the head. “There’s nothing you can do, man,” he told his partner afterward. “She’s done.”
Grayson later claimed Massey had come toward him with boiling water, but video evidence showed she never advanced toward him.
Legal Outcome and Reactions
Prosecutors charged Grayson, 31, with first-degree murder, but jurors opted for the lesser charge of second-degree murder. He faces up to 20 years in prison at his January 29 sentencing, though Illinois law allows for the possibility of probation.
Massey’s father, James Wilburn, called the verdict a “miscarriage of justice.” The family’s attorneys, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, issued a joint statement:
“While we believe Grayson’s actions deserved a first-degree conviction, today’s verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey.”
Grayson’s attorney, Daniel Fultz, declined to comment following the verdict.
Broader Impact and Reforms
Grayson was later terminated from the sheriff’s office, and the case led to the early retirement of the sheriff who had hired him. A subsequent federal review pushed the department to strengthen de-escalation training and introduce a program allowing mental health professionals to assist in certain emergency calls.
Massey’s family also reached a $10 million settlement with Sangamon County earlier this year. In response to the case, the Illinois legislature passed a law increasing transparency in law enforcement background checks, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
