Former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday for the 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in Illinois.

Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder last year for his role in the shooting, which occurred after Massey, a black woman, called 911 to report a suspected prowler in July 2024. 

Grayson, who was one of the deputies who responded to the call, fired his weapon three times after he allegedly felt threatened by a pan of hot water Massey was moving from her stove and video footage showed he fired the killing shot.

The former sheriff's deputy was initially charged with three counts of first-degree murder but was convicted of second-degree murder after the option was offered to the jury. He was given the maximum possible sentence.

“Today’s sentence of 20 years in prison affirms a critical truth: no one is above the law," attorneys for Massey's family said in a statement after sentencing. "While no amount of time behind bars can ever restore Sonya Massey’s life or ease her family’s unimaginable grief, this sentence represents an important step toward accountability for a senseless and devastating loss. 

“Sonya Massey should be alive today," attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci continued. "She was killed in her home by someone sworn to protect her. We hope this outcome sends a clear message that abuse of power, particularly by those entrusted with public safety, will be met with real consequences."

Grayson, whose attorneys were asking for a six-year sentence, apologized for the shooting during his sentencing, stating that he wished he could bring Massey back, according to the Associated Press.

“I made a lot of mistakes that night. There were points when I should’ve acted, and I didn’t. I froze,” he said. “I made terrible decisions that night. I’m sorry.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.