In a Springfield, Illinois, courtroom on Thursday, former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother gunned down in her own home, NBC reports. 

“I was very unprofessional that night,” Grayson said at sentencing today, apologizing for her death. “She didn't deserve to be yelled and cussed at, and called names. Nobody deserves that.”

Massey's daughter, Summer Massey, and son, Malakai Massey, also made statements in court for the very first time. 

“It does not feel like he truly understands or cares about the damage he has caused," Summer said. 

“My soul is ripped, it’s like a part of me is really dead," Malakai said.

On July 6, 2024, Sonya called the police, fearing a prowler outside of her home in the early morning hours. Deputies Grayson and Dawson Farley arrived and searched the premises. Though after the officers entered her home, tension between the two parties shifted. Grayson spotted a pot of hot water on the stove while Sonya stood in her kitchen; he yelled for it to be moved. Sonya grabbed it, noting its steam, then rebuked him "in the name of Jesus." 

He drew his gun, screamed for her to drop it, and fired as she ducked behind the counter—claiming later he feared she'd scald him. Prosecutors said she complied before he shot; his defense argued she escalated the threat. Farley, uncharged, didn't intervene.

A jury convicted Grayson of the lesser second-degree charge in October 2025 after a high-profile trial, rejecting first-degree murder that could've meant life. Eligible for good behavior credits halving his time, he showed no remorse—smirking until verdict day, Sonya’s father, James Wilburn, later said.

“He showed no remorse, Wilburn said at the time. “He was so cocky throughout this whole trial,” until he was convicted, Wilburn said. “Yeah, that knocked the smirk off.” He shared the same sentiments in court today.

The case, amplified by video of the incident, sparked protests and birthed the Sonya Massey Justice Act, mandating tougher police background checks in Illinois.

The verdict puts a cap on a heartbreaking saga that should have never happened—though it’s a stark reminder that accountability is too often hard won. 

As Wilburn demanded max time, the sentence highlights demands for real police reform before another Black woman’s calls for help turn into a horrific tragedy.