SPRINGFIELD, IL – A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for the fatal shooting of a woman inside her own home during a routine wellness check.
Sean Grayson was convicted in October 2025 of second-degree murder in the death of Sonya Massey, 36, who had called 911 to report a possible prowler near her Springfield residence. Instead of help, Massey was met with deadly force during what should have been a routine welfare call.
The shooting, captured on bodycam footage that was later released to the public, showed Grayson and fellow Deputy Dawson Farley responding to Massey’s home. During the encounter, a confrontation arose over a pot of water on Massey’s stove. Grayson claimed he feared Massey would throw the scalding water at him.
The footage showed Massey ducking behind a kitchen counter and reaching for the pot when Grayson opened fire, killing her. The video contradicted Grayson’s claim of an imminent threat and sparked widespread outrage when it became public.
At sentencing Thursday, Grayson addressed the court and Massey’s family. “There are no words I can say to take back what the family is feeling,” he said. “I was very unprofessional that night.”
“I’m sorry. I wish there was something I can do to bring her back,” Grayson added.
Grayson’s defense team had sought probation rather than prison time, citing his diagnosis of late-stage colon, rectal, and lung cancers that have spread to his liver. The judge rejected the request and imposed the 20-year sentence, crediting Grayson for time already served.
The case drew national attention and renewed calls for reform in how law enforcement handles wellness checks and mental health calls. Massey’s family has not publicly commented on the sentence.
