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Murder of Sonya Massey

36-year-old Sonya Massey called 911 on July 6, 2024, to report a possible prowler near her home in Woodside Township, Illinois.

Deputy Sean Patrick Grayson, 30, responded alongside another officer. After searching the area, they entered Massey’s home.

They asked her to remove a pot of boiling water. As she did so, the officer backed up, leading Massey to ask, “Where are you going?

Grayson responded, “Away from you, hot steaming water.”

Massey said,  “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Grayson thought that statement was a threat, so he pulled his gun and threatened to shoot Massey in the face. Massey crouched down in fear and put the pot down. As Grayson stepped toward her, she picked the pot back up and lifted it over her head.

Grayson fired multiple shots, killing her.

Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and several other charges.

At his October 2025 trial, he was convicted of second-degree murder. He was facing 4 to 20 years in prison, or he could have received probation. The judge sentenced him to 20 years.

Aftermath

According to NPR, he died in prison on August 23rd, 2026. He was diagnosed with colon cancer before murdering Massey, and it has spread over the years to other parts of his body.