A former Illinois police officer who fatally shot an unarmed woman in 2024 was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in prison.
Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson was convicted in October of Sonya Massey’s second-degree murder. Grayson shot Massey, 36, in her Springfield home after she called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her residence, according to WLS.
Grayson opened fire on Massey after a confrontation about a pot of water on her stove. Bodycam footage captured Grayson telling deputy Dawson Farley to remove the pot from the stove, but Massey did instead. Massey commented about Grayson being scared of “the hot, steaming water” before saying she “rebuke[d] you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson then pulled his gun and ordered Massey to drop the pot. Massey obliged and ducked behind a counter.
Massey was apparently reaching for the pot when Grayson shot her in the face. Grayson claimed self-defense in the deadly shooting, claiming he feared Massey was going to hurl the scalding water at him.
According to WAND, Grayson’s lawyers sought probation in this case due to the ex-police officer’s health issues. Gray has late-stage colon, rectal, and lung cancers, which have also spread to his liver.
Grayson testified that he believed Massey was under the influence the night he shot her. He said he was also concerned someone else was in the home after observing broken windows on Massey’s car, her 911 call, and that it took her four minutes to answer the phone.
Grayson spoke to the court at Thursday’s sentencing hearing.
“There are no words I can say to take back what the family is feeling I understand why they are angry I just hope one day they can be forgiving. I was very unprofessional that night and the things I said to Sonya Massey were not right,” he said, according to WLS. “I’m sorry I wish there was something I can do to bring her back I wish this didn’t happen.”
Grayson was also sentenced to two years of supervised release, which he will serve after his prison sentence. He was credited for time served.
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[Featured image: Illinois State Police via AP]
