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Ex-Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson He has been convicted of second-degree murder after shooting and killing a black woman who called 911 for help last year.
Sonya Massey, 36 year old single mother of two teenagerscalled 911 on July 6, 2024 to report a suspected stalker on his Springfield property. When Grayson replied, He shot Macy in her house After confronting him over the pot of hot water he held in his hand.
Grayson, who is white, was convicted Wednesday afternoon after the jury deliberated for several hours. He originally faced first-degree murder charges, but the judge allowed the jury to also consider second-degree murder after a week-long trial.
The 31-year-old will be sentenced on January 29. Grayson could be sentenced to probation or up to 20 years in prison. associated Press Report.
The Massey family attorneys, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, said Wednesday that Grayson’s actions warrant a first-degree murder conviction.
“While we believe Grayson’s actions were worthy of a first-degree sentence, today’s verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey. Accountability has begun, and we are now hopeful the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the lives lost,” the lawyers said. “We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that will protect everyone from the unlawful use of force.”
When Grayson responded to Macy’s house last summer, he went inside and talked to her along with his partner, Dawson Farley. Body camera footage shows Massey entering her kitchen and handling a pot of water. When Macy asked Grayson why he was holding back, he replied that it was to avoid “hot, steamy water”.
Macy responded, “Get away from my hot, steamy water? I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Body camera footage shows Grayson then pulled out his gun and yelled at Potty to drop it. Macy apologized, dropped the pot and hid behind the counter, but as Grayson continued yelling, she appeared to pick him up again, according to associated PressIn the ensuing chaos, Grayson fired his gun three times, hitting Macy once in the left side of his face.
Grayson, testifying in his own defense on Monday, told the jury that he believed Massey was about to throw water on him and that he felt threatened.
Grayson testified, “I took it as a threat. It is of great concern to me and I believe she would throw water… We were trained to use force to gain compliance.” CBS Chicago.
Farley testified last week and told the jury he was not afraid of Massey. Farley also said Grayson told him first aid was not needed because Massey had been shot in the head, according to the local outlet. stick news Report. As Farley applied pressure to Macy’s wound, he told Grayson that his help was not necessary. Grayson replied, “Then I won’t waste my medicine supplies either.” associated Press,
Dr. Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist, later testified that Macy might have survived her wounds if she had received prompt medical care and had the bleeding controlled. Under cross-examination, he also said it was true that some people die even after receiving medical care for that type of injury.
Massey’s family reached a $10 million settlement with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department in February. one in statement At the time, he called for “more robust background checks, and greater sharing of work histories and personal histories for applicants for law enforcement roles.”
Massey’s story also inspired police reform, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signing the “Sonya Massey Bill” into law two months ago. The bill modifies police hiring procedures in the state and requires agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of an applicant’s employment history – including detailed employment records – before making a job offer. statement From Pritzker’s office.
Independent The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office and Grayson’s attorney have been contacted for comment.