Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Deputy Sean Grayson has been indicted on first-degree murder charges, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct in the death of Sonya Massey. Body-worn camera footage from the July 6 shooting at Massey’s home in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue will be released Monday at 10 a.m.

Grayson is currently in custody and will make his first court appearance Thursday.

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser released the following information after meeting with the Massey family and Illinois State Police Wednesday.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell released a statement after the deputy’s arrest.

First and foremost, my heart breaks for the family and friends of Sonya Massey. This is a tragic incident, and we mourn with them and the community.

Immediately upon notification of the shooting, I contacted the Illinois State Police and asked them to conduct the investigation. This tragic incident deserved an independent, swift, and thorough review. I asked the ISP to proceed rapidly but thoroughly, and they have done just that. I thank them for their service, and the service they have provided for our community.

The investigation into the shooting on July 6, 2024, is now complete. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney has filed charges against the deputy involved in the fatal shooting of Ms. Massey. It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards. Therefore, Sean Grayson’s employment with the Sheriff’s Office has been terminated. It is my understanding that the body cam videos will be released on Monday, July 22nd; I completely support the release of the officers’ body cam videos in their entirety. 

The actions taken by Deputy Grayson do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement as a whole. Good law enforcement officers stand with our community in condemning actions that undermine the trust and safety we strive to uphold. In times like these, it is crucial for leadership across all sides and spectrums to come together to heal our community.

We are committed to justice and accountability. With our badge we accept enormous responsibility, and if that responsibility is abused, there should be consequences. Our office will continue to cooperate fully with the criminal proceedings as this case moves forward. We must continue to trust our justice system and the legal process, and work together as a community so the actions of one person does not divide us.

 

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter also released a statement Wednesday.

Sonya Massey’s murder is a tragedy that reverberates in multiple dimensions.  We are powerless to right this wrong. But we can seek justice for the victim and for the community. I have the highest degree of confidence that Sheriff Jack Campbell and State’s Attorney John Milhiser will do their utmost to achieve the community’s collective will that justice be done. 

We must not let the tragic decision of one individual besmirch our highly trained and dedicated law enforcement officers.  We must redouble our efforts to guard against the recurrence of such a tragedy.