PEORIA, Ill. (WAND) – A jury found former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson guilty of murdering Sonya Massey inside her home in 2024.
Grayson, who is white, was convicted of second degree murder.
It carries a sentence of between 4 to 20 years. Probation is even an option in sentencing. If Grayson was convicted of first-degree murder he could have faced 45 years to life in prison.
The jury was considering three counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree murder, or not guilty.
Massey, who was Black, called 911 to report a prowler.
Grayson was charged not long after the July 2024 shooting. The incident was captured on police body camera and garnered national attention.
Grayson’s defense team attempted to portray Massey as someone who escalated the situation inside her home while she handled a pot of water on her stove. But prosecutors said Grayson escalated the situation, didn’t use his police training, and didn’t follow department standards.
Throughout the eight day trial, jurors heard from several witnesses — including law enforcement officers, crime scene analysts, and first responders. The prosecution also replayed the body camera footage from the night of the shooting — video that Massey’s family said remains difficult to watch.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the courthouse demanding justice and showing signs of support for Massey and her family during the trial.
Massey's family was not pleased with the second-degree murder conviction. Her family believed first-degree murder was appropriate.
The family vows to continue finding justice for Massey. Her father, present throughout the trial, spoke after the verdict.
"My joy here today is that I know I'll see my baby again," James Wilburn said. "I'll see her again."
Massey’s death sparked legislation requiring more transparency on backgrounds of candidates for police jobs. It also led to changes within Sangamon County and the sheriff’s department.
Grayson testified in his own defense and said the way Massey acted in the kitchen caused him concern. Grayson fired three shots at Massey. Prosecutors called a witness that said had first aid been applied to Massey she could have had a chance to live. Grayson’s partner said when he first knelt to Massey she was still breathing.
At one point in the body camera video, Grayson can be heard saying he wasn’t going to waste his med kit on Massey.
Grayson will be sentenced Jan. 29 in Sangamon County.
More Coverage:
Trial Blog | Day 7 of Sean Grayson Murder Trial
Family of Sonya Massey speaks out as Week 1 of the Sean Grayson Murder Trial ends
A look at what happened and what's to come following Sonya Massey's death
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