Police Officer Who Shot Sonya Massey Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder
While the conviction is a step in the right direction, America still has a long way to go in addressing mental health emergencies and holding officers accountable.
The former officer who shot and killed Sonya Massey, Sean Grayson, was found guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025. The judgment, which the Massey family called “some measure” of justice for Sonya, is yet another flashpoint of police brutality in America. While it is good to see that Grayson has been found guilty, the fact remains that police brutality and racism are far too common in America’s police force.
What Happened?
On the morning of July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey, a resident of Springfield, Illinois, called police to report a prowler on her property. Officers Sean Grayson and Dawson Farley arrived on the scene and searched the property for any intruders. Finding nobody there, the officers then knocked on Massey’s door and informed her that they had not found the intruder. Massey then invited the two officers in to discuss the alleged intruder.
While inside, the officers asked for Massey’s identification, which she searched for before asking one of the officers to give her her Bible, prompting another search. About a minute later, Massey went to move a pot of boiling water she had on the stove, prompting the officers to back away. Massey asked the officers why they were backing away, and then Officer Grayson explained that they were trying to get away from the boiling water. Massey then replied, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” and raised the pot of hot water over her head. Grayson then threatened Massey, saying, “You better fucking not. I swear to God I’ll fucking shoot you right in your fucking face.” In reply, Massey apologized and dropped down behind her counter with her hands up. Grayson then shot her three times, hitting Massey in the head. Grayson’s deputy, Dawson Farley, didn’t fire his weapon. Not once.
Grayson was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office later noted that Grayson had not been justified in his use of force. Subsequently, Sangamon County entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice, agreeing to improve crisis-intervention and mental-health response training, which prompted the DOJ to terminate its investigation into the county’s law enforcement practices.
How We Got Here
While the ruling is now final, and Grayson is officially a convict, how we arrived at this point remains a critical component of understanding this horrific case. Firstly, it is worth noting that Sonya Massey was going through a mental health crisis. Her mother, Donna Massey, had called 911 the day before she was shot to report that Massey was having a mental health breakdown.
According to CNN, her mother told dispatchers that Massey was suffering but was not dangerous, saying, “I don’t want you guys to hurt her. Please.” She further warned that “When she gets upset, then she thinks everybody’s after her – like paranoid schizophrenic.” However, she also told dispatchers not to send “any combative policemen who are prejudiced, please.” That plea seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Additionally, Grayson had a checkered history with other police departments and organizations. Grayson was kicked out of the army after he was convicted twice for drunk driving. Grayson had also illegally possessed a firearm and driven on a suspended license. Previous personnel records showed that supervisors had warned that Grayson “did not demonstrate good officer safety skills.” Chief Dave Campbell at the Auburn Police Department had also warned that Grayson “needs more training.” In a psychological evaluation, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office also noted that Grayson was aware that he sometimes needed to slow down to see things clearly. Despite this history, Grayson was hired and put in a position where he would be facing people suffering mental health crises. This was avoidable.
Negligence and Tragedy
The painful reality of this entire situation lies not only in its preventability but also in the possibility of Sonya Massey’s survival. Sangamon County forensic pathologist Dr. Nathaniel Patterson had testified that Massey could have survived her injuries, explaining that Massey “bled out from a carotid artery that had been cut in half.” According to Dr. Patterson, if Massey had received treatment to control her bleeding, Massey may have survived. The bullet, according to Patterson, had not reached Massey’s brain, and thus she could have survived. However, body camera footage shows Officer Grayson seemingly discouraging his deputy from getting his medical kit on Massey, saying, “... She’s done. You can go get it, but that’s a headshot.”
Conclusion
While it is unclear what the sentence for Grayson will be, the sad reality remains that the Massey family has lost a loved one in a shooting that should have never happened. Sean Grayson’s decisions that night needlessly escalated a tense situation, and the fact that he was the only officer who fired his weapon demonstrates that tragic fact. Grayson should never have been hired, especially after his own evaluation revealed that he sometimes tended to jump to conclusions. While the conviction is a step in the right direction, America has a long way to go if it is expecting the people to trust the police to handle such mental health episodes responsibly and safely.
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References
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Well done column!