A jury has found former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey.
As the long-awaited verdict arrived Wednesday afternoon, Illinois officials were quick to share their thoughts about the decision.
Grayson was convicted for the July 6, 2024, fatal shooting of Sonya Massey inside of her home in an unincorporated area of Woodside Township.
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Here’s what lawmakers are saying.
State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield
“While nothing will bring Sonya back, justice has been served. Today’s verdict shows that no one is above the law.
“I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya. Since Sonya’s murder, I’ve been committed to – and will continue to – put in the work to make necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who have taken the oath to protect and serve.”
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski
“While nothing can bring Sonya Massey back, I am grateful that this trial has resulted in a measure of justice for her and her family,” the congresswoman wrote on the social media platform X.
Local reaction
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher
“Sean Grayson did not just murder Sonya, he took away the life the Massey family once knew. My thoughts are with Sonya’s family, friends, and loved ones. Her murder is a tragedy that should never have happened. She called 911 seeking help and compassion and instead lost her life in her own home. No words can ease this pain.
I understand that many in our community may have strong feelings about this outcome. The City of Springfield and our Police Department remain committed to maintaining public trust, transparency, and accountability in all interactions with the residents we serve. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and will continue to review our own policies and training to ensure every person is treated with dignity and respect.
To Sonya’s family, and to all who are grieving, our city stands with you. We share in your sorrow.”
Ward Two. Ald. Shawn Gregory
Springfield Ward Two Ald. Shawn Gregory posted on Facebook, saying: “Sonya Massey deserved better and we won’t rest until we see WHOLE Justice!” followed by a series of purple hearts.
Massey Commission statement
The Massey Commission in a statement said the verdict “brings a breath of hope and a long-delayed whisper of justice.”
The Commission added that “as a community, we continue to grieve alongside Sonya’s family and each other…The moral mandate before us remains unchanged: we must meet grief not with force, not with fear or over-policing, but with care and dignity.”
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois officials react to Sean Grayson being found guilty in Sonya Massey shooting
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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