In a recent development that has stirred both relief and outrage, former Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson has been convicted of second-degree murder for the death of Sonya Massey, a Black mother of two. Massey had reached out to 911 seeking assistance, only to become a victim of the very system meant to protect her.

Grayson, who initially faced charges of first-degree murder, was found guilty of the lesser offense after a week-long trial concluded on October 29. According to NBC News, he could now face a sentence ranging from probation to a maximum of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for January 29.

Despite the conviction, the outcome has not been satisfying for Massey’s family, who were hoping for a first-degree murder conviction, which would have carried a more severe penalty of 45 years to life. The family’s disappointment was palpable outside the courthouse, where Donna Massey, Sonya’s mother, expressed her frustration. “Anyone who saw the video and thought it was partly Sonya’s fault is inhumane,” she declared, as reported by KSDK. “I can’t wait til he gets to hell.”

Attorneys for Massey, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, acknowledged the jury’s decision as “a measure of justice” in a prepared statement. While the verdict marks a step towards accountability, the emotional scars and the larger conversation about justice for Black communities remain pressing issues that continue to demand attention.

In a statement, Massey attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci called the jury’s decision “a measure of justice.”

“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,” they said in the statement obtained by ABC News. “We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.”

Attorneys Argue Over Self Defense Claims in Massey Murder Trial

In court, Grayson testified that he feared for his life and acted in self-defense, believing that Massey was going to throw the scalding water at him. While on the stand, he said that he chose not to draw his Taser because he wasn’t sure it would work, given the clothing Massey was wearing at the time.

However, prosecutors argued otherwise.

“He wants you to believe he was scared,” First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers told the jury, noting Massey had complied and even apologized. “But you don’t have to believe that, because it’s not true.” 

Farley—who never fired his weapon and was never charged in connection with the case— also testified that Massey “never did anything that made me think she was a threat,” according to ABC News, and said his awareness that day was only heightened because of Grayson’s actions.

Grayson’s defense attorney Daniel Fultz maintained that the situation “escalated” when Massey “picked the pot back up, stood up, raised it over her head and began to throw it,” NBC News reported.

Although he described her death as a tragedy, he argued it “was not a crime.”

The jury deliberated for nearly 12 hours before reaching its verdict Oct. 29.

Massey’s father James Wilburn told KSDK that he plans to argue for “the max” at Grayson’s sentencing early next year, adding “Nothing less than the max.”