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2h ago

Illinois Jury Convicts Ex-Deputy Sean Grayson of Second-Degree Murder in Sonya Massey’s Killing

Testimony paired with the partner’s body-camera video undercut Grayson’s self-defense claim.

Sean Grayson watches as defense attorney Mark Wykoff questions Kevin Davis, a law enforcement consultant with more than 50 years of experience who has taught thousands of hours of advanced trainings on use of force. Davis was the defense’s fourth and final witness, who testified that he believed Grayson’s use of force was warranted.
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Overview

  • Jurors deliberated for roughly 11 hours over two days before choosing the lesser included second-degree murder charge rather than first-degree murder.
  • Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026, and the offense carries 4 to 20 years in prison with possible probation and potential day-for-day credit under Illinois law.
  • The prosecution’s case relied on Deputy Dawson Farley’s body-camera footage because Grayson’s camera was not activated until after the shooting inside Massey’s Springfield home.
  • Video and testimony centered on a confrontation over a pot of hot water; Grayson said he perceived a threat and rejected using a Taser, while Farley testified he did not view Massey as a threat.
  • The killing spurred a $10 million civil settlement, a new Illinois law requiring fuller disclosure of police applicants’ work histories, a DOJ-driven training agreement, and the sheriff’s early retirement.