Speak Out Illinois LLC Statement on Jury Verdict in the Killing of Sonya Massey

Peoria, IL – Speak Out Illinois LLC is deeply concerned by the verdict in the case of former deputy Sean Grayson, found guilty of second-degree murder in the July 6, 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey in her Springfield home.

We acknowledge that a conviction was secured—an important step toward accountability—but the outcome falls short of the full measure of justice demanded by Ms. Massey’s family and this community. A second-degree murder verdict, rather than first-degree, signals that while the jury found intent, it concluded there was no premeditation.

Our statement today urges the following:

1. Meaningful sentencing — We call upon the court to impose a sentence that truly reflects the gravity of this loss of life and the breach of public trust that occurred when a person called 911 for help and was instead shot. The family is right to demand the maximum allowable under the verdict.

2. Law-enforcement accountability — This case underscores persistent failures in policing, particularly in responding to mental health crises, engaging unarmed individuals who call for help, and hiring individuals with troubling personnel histories.

3. Policy reform — We urge the Legislature, sheriff’s offices, municipal governments, and policing oversight bodies in Illinois to evaluate and reform policies on officer training, use of force, crisis intervention, and transparency in hiring and retention. The tragic death of Sonya Massey must serve as a catalyst for change.

4. Community healing and support — We stand with the Massey family, the Springfield community, and all those who fear that the justice system delivers unequal outcomes. This verdict does not erase the trauma, and must be accompanied by meaningful advances in community-police relations, mental-health supports, and prevention of future fatalities.

Speak Out Illinois LLC reiterates: when someone in crisis dials 911, they should be met with help —not lethal force. When public servants wear a badge and carry a gun, the public places its trust in them to act with care, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.

We commit ourselves to continue advocacy, public education, and support for systemic change so that no call for help ever results in loss of life like this again.

Respectfully,
Speak Out Illinois LLC