In a case that has captured widespread attention, a former Illinois police officer was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of an unarmed woman. The incident occurred in 2024 and involved Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson, who was found guilty of second-degree murder in October. His victim, Sonya Massey, was just 36 years old when she was shot in her Springfield home after she had dialed 911 to report a possible intruder.

The tragic encounter unfolded over a confrontation concerning a pot of water on Massey’s stove. According to bodycam footage, Grayson instructed deputy Dawson Farley to remove the pot, but Massey intervened, leading to a tense exchange. Massey, in a bid to defuse the situation, made light of Grayson’s apparent apprehension of the “hot, steaming water,” even invoking a religious rebuke. At this point, Grayson drew his firearm and commanded Massey to drop the pot. After she complied and took cover behind a counter, the situation escalated tragically.

Grayson fired his gun, striking Massey in the face, as she appeared to be reaching for the pot. The ex-officer later claimed he acted in self-defense, fearing that Massey intended to throw the boiling water at him. Despite these assertions, the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, a verdict that highlighted the complexities and responsibilities of policing.

In court, Grayson’s defense team argued for leniency, seeking probation instead of imprisonment, citing the former deputy’s severe health conditions. Grayson is battling advanced stages of colon, rectal, and lung cancer, which have metastasized to his liver. This aspect of the case added another layer of complexity to the sentencing decision.

According to WAND, Grayson’s lawyers sought probation in this case due to the ex-police officer’s health issues. Gray has late-stage colon, rectal, and lung cancers, which have also spread to his liver.

Grayson testified that he believed Massey was under the influence the night he shot her. He said he was also concerned someone else was in the home after observing broken windows on Massey’s car, her 911 call, and that it took her four minutes to answer the phone.

Grayson spoke to the court at Thursday’s sentencing hearing.

“There are no words I can say to take back what the family is feeling I understand why they are angry I just hope one day they can be forgiving. I was very unprofessional that night and the things I said to Sonya Massey were not right,” he said, according to WLS. “I’m sorry I wish there was something I can do to bring her back I wish this didn’t happen.”

Grayson was also sentenced to two years of supervised release, which he will serve after his prison sentence. He was credited for time served.