Disclaimer: This article contains information about a criminal act and may be distressing for some readers. Please read at your own discretion.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Sean Grayson, the former sheriff’s deputy charged with the murder of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, worked for six different police agencies in central Illinois over the past four years.
The records reveal his employment history including roles at various departments since 2020.
Grayson, 30, who is white, faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct for the fatal shooting of Massey on July 6.
He has pleaded not guilty to these charges and was recently fired from his position at the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Massey had called 911 to report a suspected prowler. Deputies responded to her Springfield home, about 200 miles southwest of Chicago.
Body camera footage released on Monday shows Grayson shouting at Massey to put down a pot of hot water before threatening to shoot her.
Despite her attempts to comply, Grayson fired his gun, hitting Massey three times, with a fatal shot to her head.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey’s family, announced that the Justice Department is investigating the incident.
Crump welcomed the probe, citing concerns and revelations that need thorough investigation. The Justice Department confirmed it is monitoring the criminal case.
James Wilburn, Massey’s father, has called for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell’s resignation, criticizing the sheriff’s office for allowing Grayson to hold a badge and a gun.
According to the source, a request for comment from Campbell’s office has not yet been returned.
The Associated Press is seeking information on Grayson’s employment history from the six agencies he worked for.
According to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Grayson was hired part-time by the Pawnee Police Department on August 11, 2020, followed by part-time roles at Kincaid Police Department and Virden Police Department in early 2021.
He moved to full-time roles at the Auburn Police Department and Logan County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office on May 1, 2023.
Grayson’s Law Enforcement Certification, received on June 5, 2021, is currently listed as suspended. His attorney, Daniel Fultz, declined to comment on the case.
Massey’s family met with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who pledged a fair and transparent investigation.
The family is advocating for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, both of which were approved by U.S. House Democrats in 2021 but did not pass the Senate.
Vice President Kamala Harris echoed the call for legislative action, stating that Massey deserved to be safe and that the justice system must improve.
Read more news:
- Biden Campaign Mobilizes Across Georgia Ahead of Debate Clash
- Kristi Noem Denies Formal Vetting for Trump’s VP, Focuses on Winning Strategy
Her statement reflects the broader need for reform in law enforcement and voting rights.
Massey’s son, Malachi Hill Massey, 17, expressed his shock and pain, having watched part of the body camera footage of his mother’s death.
Grayson is being held without bond and, if convicted, faces severe prison sentences ranging from 45 years to life for murder, six to 30 years for battery, and two to five years for misconduct.