Deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey found guilty of second

Candice Norwood

Reporter

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A former sheriff’s deputy charged with the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey was found guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday. The deputy faced more severe charges of first-degree murder, but the jury had the option to convict on a lesser charge.

Massey’s case gained national media attention and reignited calls for reform to policing throughout the country, particularly law enforcement’s response to mental health crises. Her killing happened a week before the nine-year anniversary of Sandra Bland’s death, which elevated the #SayHerName movement’s push to raise awareness about Black women victims of police brutality.

On July 6, 2024, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson shot 36-year-old Massey w