Former Sangamon Co. deputy arraigned, new details revealed in Sonya Massey’s death

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — As legal proceedings begin against a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy accused of murder, court documents are revealing the events that led to the deadly shooting.

Sean Grayson was arraigned on Thursday with charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. Sangamon County prosecutors requested that he be denied pretrial release, a request that was granted.

Grayson is accused of murdering Sonya Massey the morning of July 6 inside her home on Hoover Avenue. Massey called 911 around 1 a.m. to report a “prowler” around her home; Grayson and one other deputy responded to her call.

Court documents filed by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney reveal that the two entered Massey’s home to gather further information and ensure the home was safe. While the other deputy checked the home and found nothing dangerous, Grayson is said to have remained with Massey in the living room.

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Prosecutors said that Grayson noticed a pot on the stove and gave Massey permission to move it in order to prevent an accidental fire. Massey went into the kitchen and moved the pot, “apparently containing hot water,” to a counter.

Grayson, still in the living room and separated from Massey by a counter, is accused of drawing his gun and threatening to shoot Massey in the face. Massey is said to have put her hands up, saying “I’m sorry,” before ducking for cover behind the counter.

Grayson is accused of then moving closer to Massey and aggressively yelled for her to put the pot down. He is then accused of firing his gun three times, hitting her in the face and killing her.

Prosecutors noted that Grayson’s body camera was not on and recording when he fired. His partner’s body camera was recording the entire time, from when he and Grayson arrived on the scene throughout the remainder of the incident.

Grayson’s partner is said to have then told Grayson that he was going to get a first-aid kit from his car, but Grayson told him not to because of the severity of Massey’s injury. The partner rendered aid nonetheless and stayed with her until EMS personnel arrived.

Prosecutors said Grayson at no point tried to render aid to Massey.

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Following an independent investigation of the shooting by the Illinois State Police, inclduing review of body camera footage, an expert in the field of “use of force” found that Grayson was not justified in using deadly force.

“[Grayson’s] disregard of his training as a law enforcement officer, and his disregard for human life, shows by clear and convincing evidence that he is a danger to persons in the community,” prosecutors said in their documents. “He has ample access to firearms, and has shown a willingness to use lethal force, despite the availability of non-deadly alternatives, when there is little to no threat to his bodily safety.”

Grayson previously worked in Pawnee, Auburn and Logan Counties, before he worked for a year and a half at the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

WCIA reporters also learned in court that Grayson had colon cancer and has a bad ostomy that needs to be surgically removed.

This is a developing story. More updates will be provided as we learn more.

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