SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County Deputy convicted of second-degree murder, sits in the Sangamon County Jail to await sentencing.
A Peoria County jury, comprised of nine women and three men, convicted the 31-year-old for the shooting death of Sonya Massey inside her Springfield home in July 2024.
Grayson could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison or even probation. The jury did not convict him of first-degree murder, a crime that carries a sentence of 45 years to life.
WAND News spoke with John Rekowski, a long-serving Illinois public defender, who explained the sentencing range for second-degree is four to 20 years in prison. However, there is a chance he wouldn't have to serve the whole sentence a judge hands down.
"You can earn good time, so you would actually serve less than the judge would sentence you," Rekowski explained. "Also, in some cases, including this case, probation could be possible."
Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch informed WAND that Grayson has been returned to Sangamon County. There will not be a new booking photo taken, as his appearance has not changed during the brief period he was held in Peoria County for the trial.
Grayson will be sentenced at 9 a.m. on Jan. 29 in Springfield.
More Coverage:
Grayson found guilty of second-degree murder of Sonya Massey
Trial Blog | Day 8: Sean Grayson found guilty of second-degree murder
Recap of changes made following Sonya Massey's death
Massey Commission passes 26 'calls to action' in final meeting
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