Illinois Deputy Convicted of Second-Degree Murder for Shooting Sonya Massey

Illinois sheriff’s deputy convicted of second-degree murder for shooting Sonya Massey in her home

Sonya Massey, a Black mother of two who had called 911 about a possible prowler, was fatally shot by Sean Grayson, a white former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, in July 2024 during a confrontation at her Springfield home. Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder after a highly publicized trial that drew national attention to issues of police use of force, race, and mental health.

• Sean Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder, not first-degree, and faces 4 to 20 years in prison.
• The shooting occurred during a dispute over a pot of hot water Massey had removed from her stove.
• Body camera footage showed Massey posed no threat and complied peacefully, raising questions about police conduct.
• The case sparked protests and led to changes in Illinois law regarding police transparency and background checks.
• Grayson testified that he believed Massey was going to throw boiling water on him after she said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Background of the incident

On July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler near her home in Springfield, Illinois. Deputies Sean Grayson and Dawson Farley responded and entered Massey’s house to investigate. Massey, who had a history of mental health issues, was cooperative and polite as she interacted with the officers. The tension arose over a pot of steaming hot water on the stove that Grayson instructed Massey to remove.

Body camera footage, a critical component of the prosecution’s case, reveals how Massey took the pot off the stove and joked with Grayson about its heat before she twice said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson interpreted the statement as a threat and ordered her to drop the pot. The dispute escalated quickly, with Grayson drawing his pistol and firing three shots, striking Massey just below the eye.

Trial and key testimonies

Grayson was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct, but he pleaded not guilty to all counts. The jury was instructed that they could convict him of the lesser offense of second-degree murder, which involves a serious provocation or unreasonable belief in justification.

Dawson Farley, Grayson’s partner, testified that he never perceived Massey as a threat and only drew his weapon because department policy required him to back up Grayson. However, Farley initially reported fearing for his safety due to Massey holding the pot chest-high, though he amended this statement after Grayson’s indictment, clarifying it was Grayson's reaction that concerned him.

Grayson himself took the stand in his defense, claiming he believed Massey intended to throw the hot water on him, interpreting her words and actions as threatening. He said he did not use a stun gun because he worried it would malfunction due to her layered clothing. Grayson described the pot’s bottom as red hot, reinforcing his perception of danger.

Prosecution and defense arguments

The prosecution, led by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, argued that Grayson abandoned his police training and acted as a “bully” who lost control and “snapped.” Milhiser emphasized that Massey posed no threat and that Grayson fired without lawful justification while she was peacefully complying. The prosecutor highlighted the chilling detail that Massey’s final words were an apology before she was shot.

Grayson’s defense lawyer, Daniel Fultz, contended that Massey escalated the situation by raising the hot water pot above her head after initially complying. He argued the use of deadly force was reasonable given Grayson’s belief that he faced an imminent threat. Fultz urged jurors to decide based on facts, not emotions, and maintained that Massey’s death was a tragic accident, not a crime.

Verdict and reactions

After nearly 12 hours of jury deliberation following a seven-day trial, Sean Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder. The verdict allowed Grayson to avoid the more severe charge of first-degree murder, which carries a potential sentence of 45 years to life imprisonment. Instead, he faces 4 to 20 years in prison and is likely eligible for good behavior credits, possibly reducing his time served.

The Massey family and their attorneys, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, acknowledged the verdict as a “measure of justice” but expressed frustration that the jury did not convict on the more serious charge. Massey’s cousin voiced outrage that a shooting to the face by an officer was not deemed first-degree murder.

Protesters outside the courthouse celebrated the guilty verdict, chanting Massey’s phrase, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Massey’s father publicly condemned Grayson’s arrogance during the trial and urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence.

Broader impact and reforms

Sonya Massey’s death reignited a national conversation about police shootings of Black individuals in their homes, racial disparities in law enforcement, and how police handle mental health crises. It also exposed gaps in police procedures and accountability, with criticisms of Grayson for not following training and failing to de-escalate.

In response, Illinois lawmakers passed the Sonya Massey Act, requiring more rigorous and transparent background checks on law enforcement candidates. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department agreed to strengthen its training on de-escalation, implement mental health professional response programs for emergency calls, and improve data collection on use-of-force incidents.

The county also settled with the Massey family for $10 million in February 2025. The case led to the early retirement of the sheriff who hired Grayson and prompted a U.S. Justice Department inquiry into the department’s practices.

Conclusion

The conviction of Sean Grayson for second-degree murder marks a significant but partial measure of accountability in the tragic death of Sonya Massey. The case underscores ongoing concerns about policing strategies, race, and mental health in America’s criminal justice system, highlighting the need for continued reform to prevent similar tragedies. Grayson is scheduled for sentencing on January 29, 2026, where the court will decide the final repercussions for his actions.