On Wednesday, a jury found former Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder in the killing of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who had called police to report a possible intruder.
Grayson was first charged with first-degree murder, but the jury was allowed to consider a lesser charge instead.
After almost 12 hours of discussion, they came back with their decision. As the verdict was read, Grayson’s family held hands and broke down in tears in the courtroom.
Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who secured a $10 million settlement for Massey’s family earlier this year, said they had hoped for a first-degree conviction.
Still, they said the verdict was at least a step toward justice for Massey.
Massey’s cousin, Sontae Massey, expressed their anger, saying it was difficult to understand how an officer who threatened to shoot someone, and then did, was convicted of only second-degree murder.
Under Illinois law, Grayson faces a sentence of four to 20 years, though good behavior could reduce that time by half.
Massey’s father, James Wilburn, said he’s urging the court to hand down the maximum penalty possible.
Massey’s father, James Wilburn, said Grayson has shown no remorse and acted arrogantly throughout the trial.
Grayson was charged in the July 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, who had called 911 to report possible intruders near her home.
Her death sparked nationwide protests and renewed demands for justice in police shootings involving Black victims.
In response, Illinois passed the Sonya Massey Act in August, introducing stricter background checks for police recruits.
Last week, Deputy Dawson Farley, Grayson’s former partner, testified that he never felt threatened by Massey’s actions. He said he only drew his weapon because he was “trying to back up my partner.”
The body camera footage, a key piece of evidence in the case, was played several times during the trial. It showed Massey speaking with the deputies and moving a pot of boiling water off the stove moments before she was shot.
On Monday, Grayson took the stand in his own defence, claiming he fired because he thought Massey was about to throw the hot water at him.
He testified that he perceived her words as a threat, which led him to draw his gun.
Grayson also said he decided against using his stun gun because he wasn’t confident it would work given the clothes she was wearing.
