Springfield, IL – On July 6, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from Sonya Massey, reporting a prowler at her residence on Hoover Avenue. Deputies arrived on the scene and began searching the area. By 1:21 a.m., former Deputy Sean Grayson discharged his firearm, striking Ms. Massey. Despite immediate first aid from deputies and subsequent emergency medical assistance, Ms. Massey was pronounced dead at St. John’s Hospital.
In an official statement from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, it was noted that the incident was captured on body-worn camera (BWC) video. Sheriff Jack Campbell promptly requested the Illinois State Police (ISP) to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.
Following a thorough investigation by ISP, evidence, including BWC footage, was presented to the Sangamon County Grand Jury. On July 17, 2024, the Grand Jury indicted Sean Grayson on three counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and one count of Official Misconduct. An arrest warrant was issued, and Grayson was taken into custody.
Sheriff Campbell expressed deep condolences to Ms. Massey’s family, stating, “First and foremost, my heart breaks for the family and friends of Sonya Massey. This is a tragic incident, and we mourn with them and the community.” He added that the actions of Deputy Grayson did not align with the training and standards of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, leading to Grayson’s termination.
Brendan F. Kelly, Director of the Illinois State Police, emphasized the significance of cooperation and justice in his statement: “With strong cooperation from Sonya Massey’s family and the State’s Attorney, ISP conducted and submitted a timely, independent investigation of the criminal conduct of a now-former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy. Humanity must be at the heart and soul of righteous law enforcement. Inhumane conduct in the form of unlawful violence is a betrayal of the public trust, a betrayal of an officer’s oath, and a betrayal of the men and women in law enforcement who serve with humanity, patience and courage every day – it will not be tolerated anytime or anywhere.”
On July 18, 2024, Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin ordered Grayson detained pending trial. The Sheriff’s Office affirmed their commitment to justice and accountability, with Sheriff Campbell stating, “We must continue to trust our justice system and the legal process and work together as a community so the actions of one person do not divide us.”
As the community processes this tragic event, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Illinois State Police, remains dedicated to transparency, justice, and rebuilding trust. Further updates will be provided as the legal proceedings continue.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
