SPRINGFIELD — The former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her home in the Cabbage Patch neighborhood off Stevenson Drive in 2024 is scheduled to be sentenced in Springfield at 9 a.m. Jan. 29.
Sean Grayson, who responded to Massey’s home on a possible prowler call, was charged with first-degree murder, but a Peoria County jury made up of nine women and three men was given a second-degree instruction and found him guilty on the lesser charge, capping a week-and-a-half trial on Oct. 29.
While the trial was moved out of Springfield because of pre-trial publicity, the sentencing will take place in Springfield.
Grayson, 31, told another sheriff’s deputy to remove a pot of boiling water on Massey’s stove, but Massey ran into the kitchen to get it.
Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman and the mother of two children, told Grayson “I rebuke in the name of Jesus” after Grayson told her he was backing away from the hot water. Grayson interpreted Massey’s words as a threat and fired three shots, striking Massey in the face.
The shooting was caught on Grayson’s partner’s body-worn camera.
Supporters of the Massey family have already announced a rally outside of the court complex before the hearing gets started.
Here’s what to know.
What kind of sentencing range does Grayson face?
Grayson faces 4 to 20 years in prison. He will serve any sentence at 50%.
If Grayson had been convicted of first-degree murder, the sentencing range would have been 45 years to life in prison.
Is Grayson probation-eligible?
Yes, Grayson is eligible for probation, meaning he could face the prospect of no prison time.
What is second-degree murder?
Second-degree murder occurs when a person kills another while “acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation.” The person must have negligently or accidentally caused the murder or believed the killing would be justified or exonerated under Illinois law.
Who could speak at the sentencing?
The hearing could feature a number of victim impact statements from both the people and the defense. That could include members of the Massey family and Grayson, who testified in his own defense at trial.
Who will pronounce the sentence?
Presiding Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin will pronounce the sentence.
Did the defense file a motion for a new trial?
Yes, the motion was filed in Sangamon County court on Nov. 26. The motion cited the court’s denial in letting into evidence Massey’s state of mind and “propensity for violence” as among the reasons that Cadagin should overturn the conviction.
Grayson’s attorneys argued that “a defendant is permitted to introduce such evidence where there are conflicting accounts as to who the initial aggressor was in the confrontation.”
The motion referred to the defense’s argument that Massey was throwing a pot of boiling water at Grayson.
If Cadagin denies the motion, Grayson’s attorneys have a right to appeal the denial.
The State filed its own motion asking Cadagin to deny a new trial.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Sean Grayson scheduled to be sentenced on second-degree murder charge
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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