In Springfield, Illinois, former Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for the murder of Sonya Massey. The sentencing took place on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the case.

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The courtroom witnessed an emotional response from the Massey family, who expressed both tears and relief upon hearing Judge Ryan Cadigan deliver the 20-year sentence to Grayson.

This sentence represents the maximum penalty permissible for Grayson’s conviction of second-degree murder, a verdict reached in October.

The courtroom was filled to capacity, with multiple rows occupied by Massey’s relatives, and a few seats taken by Grayson’s family members, as observed by ABC7.

During the proceedings, Grayson chose to address the court and the Massey family directly. Speaking with visible remorse, he stated, “I wish I could bring her back,” while acknowledging the grave errors he made on the night of the tragic incident.

The court heard four victim impact statements from the Massey family, including the victim’s two children and both of her parents.

Grayson looked straight at each family member as they addressed the court, showing no emotion the entire time.

Both of her children spoke about the permanent harm this has done to their family…

At one point, Sonya’s mother Donna ended her statement looking directly at Grayson and said “Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Those were the exact words Sonya said to Grayson before he shot her three times in her home on July 6, 2024.

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During the trial, Grayson told investigators he thought her “rebuke” meant she intended to kill him.

Now, 572 days since that shooting Grayson was officially sentenced to 20 years followed by two years of supervised release.

Grayson also said in court: “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.”

“Nobody deserves that, your honor I made a lot of mistakes that night, there are points I should have acted on and I didn’t. I froze and I made terrible decisions that night,” he said.

“I’m sorry I wish there was something I can do to bring her back I wish this didn’t happen,” he said.

Judge Cadigan also denied Grayson’s motion for a new trial.

Former federal prosecutor Chris Hotaling talks about the impact of this case.