Former Deputy Convicted in Sonya Massey Shooting

A Peoria jury convicted former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson of second-degree murder for the July 6, 2024, shooting death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother who had called 911 to report a suspected prowler after confronting her about a pot of boiling water. Jurors deliberated about 11 hours and returned the lesser charge rather than first-degree murder; Grayson says he fired because he feared being scalded, while prosecutors pointed to graphic body‑cam footage and alleged failures to follow training and policy. Grayson, 31, faces up to 20 years in prison under the charge (and could receive probation under sentencing guidelines) and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025. The verdict prompted mixed reactions: Massey’s family and civil‑rights advocates called the outcome a “miscarriage of justice,” while her attorneys said the conviction still represented some measure of accountability after a nationwide outcry. The case renewed scrutiny of law enforcement hiring practices and helped prompt Illinois reforms to increase transparency about candidates’ backgrounds amid protests and widespread media attention.