In Sangamon County, Illinois, a pivotal moment approaches as the man who killed Sonya Massey faces his sentencing on Thursday, following her tragic death a year and a half ago.

Sean Grayson, once a deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s office, is looking at a potential 20-year prison sentence. He was convicted of second-degree murder for the 2024 shooting that claimed Massey’s life in her Springfield residence.

Sontae Massey, Sonya’s cousin, believes that anything short of the full 20-year sentence would fall short of justice. However, there remains a possibility that Grayson could be granted a new trial if the judge rules in his favor during the sentencing.

As Thursday’s proceedings draw near, Sonya’s family finds themselves in a period of reflection and preparation.

Sontae cherishes the early afternoons, a cherished time when Sonya would routinely call him for their heartfelt conversations and life updates.

“She would tell me about what she was cooking and or she would tell me about what’s going on and with her son and her daughter and how they acted out in school. Or, you know, we just have brother, sister conversation,” said Sontae.

Sontae said more often than not, their conversations would turn to Sonya’s children, Malachi and Summer. 

On Thursday they will be in the courtroom with their mother’s killer. Both are expected to read statements to the judge, sharing the impact Sonya’s murder has had on them. Sontae said finding those words hasn’t been easy.

“It hurts them and they want to put the best foot forward in regards to their mother. So they’re doing everything they can to be strong, but we’re all just shattered,” said Sontae.

During Grayson’s trial, a crowd of supporters of the Massey family gathered outside of the courthouse in Peoria. Sontae believes it will be a similar sight in Springfield. He believes the crowd, like his family, will be looking for a maximum sentence.

“We want to make sure we temper everyone’s fears, you know, because I know that a lot of people think that she didn’t deserve it. She didn’t get any justice with the sentencing,” said Sontae.

Grayson sentence isn’t the only unknown heading into Thursday’s sentencing. The former deputy’s attorneys have filed a motion for a new trial. They are arguing that jurors were biased after hearing comments Grayson made after shooting Sonya. The judge is expected to rule on that motion Thursday.

Sontae said his only focus right now is on his family.

“We know that we’ve been thrust in the in the spotlight for a reason, and we know that God wants us to put our best foot forward and be the people that we really are,” said Sontae.