A former Illinois sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 to report a prowler. Grayson, 31, received the maximum sentence for second-degree murder after being convicted in October.
During the hearing, Grayson apologised, saying he made 'terrible decisions' and froze. However, Massey's family expressed grief and anger, with her mother Donna saying she now fears calling the police. The judge admonished the family when they cheered the sentence.
The shooting occurred on 6 July 2024, when Massey, who had mental health issues, summoned help. Body-camera footage showed Grayson and another deputy entering her home. Grayson shot Massey in the face after she picked up a pot of water, claiming he feared being scalded.
Grayson was initially charged with first-degree murder but convicted of the lesser charge, which requires evidence the defendant honestly believed he was in danger. The case prompted a Justice Department inquiry and changes to Illinois law on law enforcement hiring transparency.
Massey's family received a $10m settlement from Sangamon County. Her daughter Summer said, 'Twenty years is not enough.'
