Overview
- After roughly 11 hours of deliberations over two days, a Peoria jury found Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder for the 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey.
- Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026, with a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison or probation under Illinois law.
- Prosecutors relied on Deputy Dawson Farley’s bodycam video, as Grayson’s camera was not activated until after the shooting, to show the confrontation over a pot of hot water.
- Grayson testified he believed he faced an imminent threat after Massey said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” while Farley told jurors he did not view her as a threat and did not fire.
- Massey’s killing spurred broader responses, including a $10 million county settlement, a DOJ-driven reform plan for the sheriff’s department, and Illinois’ new “Sonya Massey” law expanding background checks for police hires.