Ex-Deputy Cop Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Black 911 Caller in Illinois

In a high-profile case, Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy, was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey in July 2024. Massey, who had called 911 fearing a prowler, was shot by Grayson after holding a pot of boiling water.

Grayson's defense argued Massey was about to throw the pot, prompting the shooting. The judge, Ryan Cadigan, sentenced Grayson to the maximum 20 years in prison despite his attorney's plea due to his stage 3 colon cancer.

Massey's family had previously received a $10 million settlement from Sangamon County over her death.