Former Illinois Deputy Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Sonya Massey
Written by b87fm on 01/29/2026
A former Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old woman killed inside her home after calling 911 for help.
On Thursday (Jan. 29), Judge Ryan Cadigan imposed the maximum possible sentence for second-degree murder on Sean Grayson, according to the Associated Press. Grayson, who was 31 at the time of the shooting, addressed the court following the ruling, offering an apology to Massey’s family and acknowledging a series of failures on the night of the killing.
“I made a lot of mistakes that night,” Grayson said. “There were points when I should’ve acted, and I didn’t. I froze. I made terrible decisions. I’m sorry.”
Grayson’s defense team had requested a six-year sentence, citing his diagnosis of late-stage colon cancer, but the court rejected the plea. In additional remarks, Grayson described his conduct as unprofessional and admitted that comments he made to Massey during the encounter were inappropriate.
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“There are no words I can say to take back what the family is feeling,” he told the court. “I understand why they are angry. I just hope one day they can be forgiving.”
In a letter submitted to the judge, Grayson wrote, “I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could do to bring her back. I wish this didn’t happen.”
Massey was shot and killed in her kitchen after placing a 911 call reporting that she believed someone was outside her home. A brief verbal exchange between Massey and Grayson preceded the shooting. The case drew national attention, including debate over whether race played a role, as Massey was Black and Grayson is white. Reports have also noted that Massey struggled with mental health issues.
Speaking outside the courthouse, State’s Attorney John Milhiser said the impact of Massey’s death extended far beyond her family.
“Sonya Massey’s death rocked her family, but it rocked the community, it rocked the country,” Milhiser said. “We have to do whatever we can to ensure it never happens again.”
Massey’s daughter, Summer, also addressed reporters, expressing frustration with the sentence. “Twenty years is not enough,” she said.
The conviction and sentencing mark the conclusion of a closely watched case that reignited national conversations around police use of force, accountability, and responses to mental health crises.
