A jury has discovered former Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson responsible of second-degree homicide for the deadly taking pictures of Sonya Massey, a Black mother of two who referred to as 911 looking for assist, solely to be killed in her personal kitchen lower than half an hour later.
NBC Information studies that Grayson, who was initially charged with three counts of first-degree homicide, was convicted of the lesser cost after jurors deliberated for almost 11 hours. A primary-degree homicide conviction may have meant as much as life in jail. The second-degree homicide conviction may carry a sentence of anyplace from 4 to twenty years or, shamefully, parole with no jail time in any respect.
As beforehand reported, Massey, 36, referred to as authorities final July from her Springfield, Illinois, house after believing a prowler was outdoors. When deputies arrived, physique digital camera footage confirmed Massey expressing worry that the officers would possibly hurt her, however Grayson dismissed her concern, implying it was unreasonable for her to suppose that approach.
Based on bodycam footage, after coming into Masey’s house and seeing a pot of boiling water on her range, he informed her, We don’t want a fireplace whereas we’re in right here.”
Massey then poured the water into the sink and informed the deputy, “I rebuke you within the identify of Jesus,” in accordance with the video, inflicting Grayson in some way to threaten to shoot her; earlier than Massey apologized and ducked down behind a counter. As she rose, Grayson fatally shot her thrice within the face.
Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represented Massey’s household, admitted that whereas they imagine Grayson deserved a first-degree homicide conviction, the second-degree conviction was “nonetheless a measure of justice for Sonya Massey.”
“She was not a risk, she was by no means a risk, and that’s what was confirmed in courtroom,” added Romanucci throughout a post-trial press convention.
Grayson’s sentencing is about for Jan. 29, 2026.
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