Sean Grayson found guilty of second-degree murder in trial of Sonya Massey shooting death

PEORIA, Ill. (WGN/AP) — An Illinois jury has convicted a former sheriff’s deputy of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 for help.

The nine-woman, three-man jury announced the verdict against Sean Grayson on Wednesday.

Grayson arrived at Massey’s home in Springfield after she reported seeing a prowler early on July 6, 2024. At the time of the shooting, Massey was holding a pan of hot water. Grayson’s attorneys argued that he was afraid she would throw it at him.

Jurors deliberated on Wednesday in the trial of a 31-year-old former Sangamon County Deputy, which was moved to Peoria due to pre-trial publicity.

The jury received the case on Tuesday and deliberated for more than six hours before resuming efforts on Wednesday.

In July 2024, a 911 call led Grayson and his partner to respond to Massey’s home, who believed someone was trying to break in. The call for help turned deadly during a confrontation over her handling of a pot of hot water. 

Video shows Massey putting her hands up as she removed the pot from the stove. Then, Massey said, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Grayson yelled at her to drop the pot and threatened to shoot her. Massey apologized and ducked behind a counter.

Prosecutors accuse Grayson of using excessive force, fatally shooting Massey inside her Springfield home.   

"Sonya’s death was senseless and avoidable," prosecutors told the jury. 

Bodycam video shows Grayson firing off three shots, one of the bullets hitting Massey beneath her left eye. Prosecutors also allege that afterward, Grayson failed to immediately perform life-saving CPR.

A pathologist during the trial testified that immediate care would have improved her chances of survival.

John Milhiser, the Sangamon County State's Attorney, told jurors that Grayson's actions constitute first-degree murder. Ultimately, the jury decided on the lesser second-degree murder charge.

Grayson, who took the stand in his own defense Monday, argued that he feared for his safety and that the use of deadly force "matched the threat level."

Jurors agreed on a second-degree murder conviction, which applies when there is a “serious provocation” or when defendants believe their actions are justified even though that belief is unreasonable.

Grayson faces a sentence of four to 20 years in prison or probation when he is sentenced Jan. 29.