A landmark sentencing has finally concluded in a case that horrified the nation. Former deputy Sean Grayson has learned his fate after the tragic 911 call that ended in a fatal shooting inside a Springfield home. From a daughter’s heartbreaking reaction to the “rebuke” that echoed through the courtroom, this is the final chapter in a pursuit of accountability that has captivated the world. WATCH the full report on the maximum sentence handed down today.
The former Illinois deputy was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 for the 2024 slaying of a woman who had called for help.
NEED TO KNOW
- Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County deputy, was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison.
- The sentence follows his conviction for the July 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey in her Springfield home.
- Massey’s family expressed gratitude for the maximum sentence, though they noted “20 years is not enough”.
- The judge rejected a defense motion for a new trial before delivering the final ruling.
Sean Grayson, the **ex-**Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in incarceration after he was found guilty in October 2025 of second-degree murder for the July 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Massey, a Black woman, had contacted 911 to report a potential intruder at her dwelling in Springfield, Illinois.
Judge Ryan Cadagin noted that Grayson will also undergo a two-year mandatory supervised release and will receive credit for time already served. Grayson had been awaiting a term ranging from four to 20 years in prison or probation. Summer Massey, Sonya’s daughter who was 15 at the time of the killing, told journalists she was “grateful” Grayson received the maximum penalty. “I’m thankful for all the love and support that everyone has demonstrated… Twenty years is not enough, but … they did what they could do,” she stated.
A Courtroom Apology and Victim Impact
Grayson addressed the court ahead of his hearing and apologized to Massey’s family. “I wish there was something I could do to bring her back. I wish this didn’t happen,” he said, admitting he made “terrible decisions” and “froze” on the night Massey passed away.
Massey’s mother, Donna Massey, and her children presented victim impact statements during the proceedings. “Today, I’m fearful to call the police in fear that I might end up like Sonya,” Donna Massey testified. She addressed Grayson with the same declaration her daughter used before the shooting: “Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus“.
Massey’s son, Malachi, also spoke of the shattering impact on his life. “I had to step up at 17… it’s like a part of me is dead,” he remarked. Prior to the sentencing, Judge Cadagin rejected a defense request for a new trial. Grayson’s attorneys had contended there were “several erroneous rulings” that led to prejudice, including the focus on Grayson’s duties as an officer and the admission of body camera recordings.
The Fatal Encounter
Body camera recordings of the July 6, 2024, incident illustrate Grayson pointing to a pot of boiling water on Massey’s stove, instructing her to “walk away”. Massey subsequently poured the water into the sink and stated, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus”.
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Grayson vowed to shoot her, causing Massey to apologize and duck behind a counter while shielding her face. As she briefly stood, Grayson shot her three times in the face. Though Grayson testified he feared the scalding water, prosecutors noted Massey’s final words with her hands up were, “I’m sorry“.
Grayson was initially charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct, pleading not guilty to all counts before the jury opted for a second-degree murder conviction.
