Peoria, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Members of Sonya Massey’s family described last week’s conviction of now-former Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson on second-degree murder charges instead of first-degree as a “miscarriage of justice.”
But, in an interview with CBS News (shared below), Massey’s father, James Wilburn, sees things somewhat differently.
“I think we were looking for full justice. We only got partial justice,” Wilburn said. “But, that’s because it was what was allowed under Illinois law.”
Wilburn praises Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser and First Assistant Mary Beth Rodgers for doing what he described as “a yeoman’s job” prosecuting the case. He said at a news conference following the conviction he would be devoting his life to changing the law in Illinois so that it is more responsive to families like Massey’s, and so that it’s more fair to Black people.
If the last 15 months and the conviction are difficult for Massey’s extended family, it’s even moreso for the immediate family, cousin Sontae Massey told CBS’ Jericka Duncan.
“I had to watch Sonya’s daughter…Summer. She became inconsolable,” said Sontae Massey. “I have to watch my mother, my aunt Donna. They’re devastated. And I’m devastated for them. I just think that we have a long couple of days ahead of us.”
The time since Sonya Massey was killed inside her Springfield home has been just as difficult for Grayson’s family as well, said Massey family friend and former NAACP leader Teresa Haley.
“I feel sorry for them,” said Haley. “The mother came over (in the courtroom at the start of the trial to the Massey family’s side) and she said, ‘We did not raise him that way. And I’m really sorry for your family.’ My heart goes out to them. We lost Sonya, but they lost a son. And what he did [to] Sonya, he has to pay. And, they (the family) realize that.”
Haley says it wasn’t expected, but that Grayson’s family had been observing them for months as the court case has played out. She says during that time, Grayson’s mother had mumbled “I’m so sorry” many times, but never got close until two weeks ago.
Grayson is scheduled to be sentenced at 9am January 29, 2026. He could face anywhere from probation to a maximum of 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
