Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy serving a 20-year prison term for the murder of Sonya Massey, lost a bid for a sentence reduction Friday afternoon.

Judge Ryan Cadigan, in a hearing which took less time than it did to set up Grayson’s Zoom connection, denied the motion after state’s attorney John Milhiser said based on the seriousness of the crime and other factors, the 20-year sentence – the maximum possible for second-degree murder in Illinois – is appropriate. Defense lawyer Mark Wykoff did not state in court a reason for seeking the reduction. He said Grayson will appeal.

Sontae Massey (pictured, left), Sonya’s cousin, told reporters afterward he is pleased that Grayson continues to lose rounds in court but is frustrated to have to see him every time, and that the Massey family wants to move beyond the criminal case.

There is, though, a bigger picture.

“This is more than just a trial,” said Massey. “This is going to impact the United States for years to come. This will be studied for years to come. This is a landmark case, and it brings eyes to Springfield, Illinois.

“We have to get this right.”

On July 6, 2024, Grayson shot and killed Massey, saying he felt threatened by a pot of hot water she was holding, after responding to Massey’s 9-1-1 call about a possible prowler. Prosecutors sought a first-degree conviction, which would have carried a possible life sentence. A Peoria jury convicted Grayson of the lesser-included felony of second-degree murder.