On Thursday (Jan.29), in an Illinois courtroom, a former deputy, Sean Grayson, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting and killing 36-year-old Sonya Massey.
Associated Press reports that Judge Ryan Cadigan handed down the “maximum possible sentence” for a second-degree murder conviction. Following his sentencing, Grayson apologized to the court for what occurred between him and Massey. He claims to have made “a lot of mistakes” that night. He continued: “There were points when I should’ve acted, and I didn’t. I froze. I made terrible decisions that night. I’m sorry.” Initially, Grayson’s attorney was looking for a six-year sentence, given that he’s been diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer.
“There are no words I can say to take back what the family is feeling. I understand why they are angry. I just hope one day they can be forgiving. I was very unprofessional that night, and the things I said to Sonya Massey were not right,” Grayson added.
For a deep dive into the trial, check out NewsChannel20’s GraysonTrial.com site.
“I wish this didn’t happen,” Said Grayson in a letter to the court
“I’m sorry I wish there was something I can do to bring her back I wish this didn’t happen,” he said.
On the day of the fatal incident, Massey—who apparently suffers from mental health issues—called 911, believing someone was roaming around outside her home. Following a brief verbal altercation between her and Grayson, Massey was gunned down in her kitchen. There have been debates about whether the shooting was racially motivated, given that Massey was black and Grayson, 31, was white.
State’s Attorney John Milhiser met with reporters outside of the courthouse, saying, “Sonya Massey’s death rocked her family, but it rocked the community, it rocked the country. We have to do whatever we can to ensure it never happens again.” Massey’s daughter, Summer, also spoke with reporters, and in her opinion, “Twenty years is not enough.”
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