Former Illinois Deputy Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Shooting of Sonya Massey

Sonya Massey, 36, was fatally shot on 6 July 2024 at her home near Springfield, Illinois.

Washington:

A former sheriff's deputy from Illinois was convicted of murder on Wednesday after shooting a Black woman inside her residence, a case that sparked nationwide attention and renewed calls for law enforcement reform.

Sean Grayson, 31, who is white, was found guilty of second-degree murder following two days of jury deliberations.

While Grayson faced charges of both first-degree and second-degree murder for the July 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, the jury ultimately convicted him on the lesser charge.

Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney representing the Massey family, expressed disappointment that Grayson wasn't convicted of first-degree murder but stated the "verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey."

"Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost," Crump said in a statement.

While first-degree murder carries a potential life sentence, second-degree murder is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Massey's shooting highlighted ongoing issues of police violence against African-Americans and prompted then-US president Joe Biden to state that she "should be alive today."

Massey, who had previously received treatment for mental health issues, called 911 to report a possible intruder in her home. Two Sangamon County sheriff's deputies arrived shortly after midnight.

Body camera footage showed Massey conversing with the officers and searching through her purse when they requested identification.

Grayson then asked her to check on a pot of boiling water on the stove, saying "we don't need a fire while we're here."

When Grayson returned to the living room, Massey questioned why, and he responded with a laugh: "Away from your hot steaming water."

Holding the pot, Massey stated "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus" — which prompted the deputy to draw his weapon and say: "You better fucking not. I swear to God I'll fucking shoot you in your fucking face."

Massey apologized and crouched behind a counter as the officer shouted "drop the fucking pot" before firing three shots, killing Massey with a bullet to the face.

During the one-week trial, Grayson testified that he felt threatened by the pot of boiling water Massey was holding.

Earlier this year, the Sangamon County Board approved a $10 million settlement with Massey's estate.

The United States experienced widespread protests in 2020 following George Floyd's murder by a white police officer in Minnesota.

Floyd's death intensified scrutiny of race relations and ignited nationwide demands for police reform.