An Illinois police officer, Sean Grayson, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of Sonya Massey. In 2024, Sonya Massey called 911 because she thought someone was trying to break into her house. When police arrived, one of the officers, Sean Grayson, shot and killed her.
The incident happened on July 6, 2024, around 12:50 a.m. Sonya Massey called the police from her home in Springfield, Illinois. Sean Grayson and another officer went to her house.
After checking outside, the officers knocked on Sonya’s door. She seemed scared and asked them to hand her a Bible. She then went to the stove to take a pot of hot water off of it.
At first, Sonya and Officer Grayson talked calmly about the water. But then, Sonya said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus” while holding the pot.
Officer Grayson then said he would shoot her if she didn’t stop. Sonya apologized and moved behind a counter. Officer Grayson yelled at her to drop the pot. Then, he shot three times, hitting Sonya in the face.
Sonya Massey died at the hospital.
Before the shooting, Sonya’s mother had called 911, saying that Sonya was having some mental health issues and asked for officers who wouldn’t be too aggressive.
Officer Grayson said that he thought Sonya was going to hurt him with the hot water.
During the trial, Officer Grayson’s lawyer said he was doing what he was allowed to do by law. But the prosecutor said that Officer Grayson “snapped” and that Sonya was killed because of it.
Before the judge announced the sentence, Sonya’s mother told Officer Grayson that she rebuked him in the name of Jesus. She also said she has nightmares and is now scared to call the police.
Officer Grayson said he was sorry and wished he could bring Sonya back.
