Overview
- The jury returned the verdict after roughly 11–12 hours of deliberation, convicting Sean Grayson of second-degree murder for the July 2024 shooting inside Massey’s Springfield kitchen.
- Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026, with a statutory range of four to 20 years in prison under Illinois law and eligibility for good-time credit.
- Body-camera footage from Grayson’s partner captured Massey saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Grayson warning, “I’ll shoot you right in your face,” and three shots that followed as she ducked and apologized.
- Prosecutors argued Grayson overreacted, violated training, and failed to render aid, while he testified he feared being scalded by a pot of boiling water and claimed self-defense.
- Massey’s family called the lesser conviction disappointing; civil rights attorneys and Illinois officials described the outcome as accountability as reforms and a $10 million settlement continue to shape the case’s legacy.