Sean Grayson found guilty of murder in the death of Sonya Massey

Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, was convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder in the 2024 death of Sonya Massey, a Black mother of two who had called 911 about a possible prowler

Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, was convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder in the 2024 death of Sonya Massey, a Black mother of two who had called 911 about a possible prowler.

Grayson was charged with first-degree murder, but jury instructions included the option to convict him of the lesser charge of second-degree murder.

Jurors deliberated for almost 12 hours after closing arguments ended late Tuesday morning. Grayson’s family cried and held hands as the verdict was read.

Outside the courthouse, protesters celebrated the guilty verdict and chanted, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represented her family in a $10 million civil settlement, said that they believe Grayson’s actions warranted a first-degree murder conviction but that it was "still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey."