Ex-deputy gets 20 years for fatal shooting of 911 caller
Former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in her Illinois home. The incident occurred after Massey called 911 to report a possible intruder. The case received national attention and highlighted concerns about excessive force used by law enforcement against Black Americans. Grayson apologized in court to Massey’s family for his actions.
What happened
- An Illinois judge sentenced former deputy Sean Grayson to 20 years in prison for the July 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey.
- Massey called 911 after finding a broken window and fearing a prowler was inside her home.
- During the police response, Massey was holding a pot of boiling water that deputies had asked her to check on.
- Prosecutors said Massey complied with orders to drop the pot before being shot by Grayson.
- Massey’s family previously received a $10 million settlement from Sangamon County over her death.
