(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Nationally known civil rights lawyer Ben Crump has been assisting the Massey family since Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson killed Sonya Massey last year.

A Peoria County jury Wednesday afternoon reached a guilty verdict for second-degree murder.

In an e-mailed statement, Crump said:

“While we believe Grayson’s actions deserved a first-degree conviction, today’s verdict is still a measure of justice for Sonya Massey. Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost. We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.

“The family extends deep gratitude to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser and his entire office. They handled the case with professionalism, transparency, and compassion. Prosecuting a police officer is never easy but this team did it with courage and integrity.”

Crump’s news release notes the passage of a law – named for Massey – placing more stringent criteria onto police hiring in Illinois. It also mentions the $10 million settlement reached between Sangamon County and the Massey family.

While it is not the verdict Crump and the Masseys desired, Crump said it is “a measure of justice” and called for a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the case. The maximum sentence for second degree murder is twenty years in prison. A first-degree murder conviction carries a maximum life prison term.