Deputy Charged with Killing Sonya Massey Previously Discharged from Army for Serious Misconduct

The former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy charged with the murder of 36-year-old Sonya Massey had been previously discharged from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct. 

Sean Grayson, a 30-year-old white man, served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic from May 2014 to February 2016 at Fort Riley, Kansas, before being discharged for a serious offense, RadarOnline reports. An Army spokesperson declined to provide further details, citing privacy policies. Anthony Ghiotto, a former Air Force prosecutor, suggested that Grayson likely committed an offense that would result in at least a year of jail time for a civilian, though he was not court-martialed.

Grayson’s lawyer claimed he was honorably discharged, but he received a “general” discharge under “honorable conditions.”

CNN reports that Grayson pleaded guilty to 2 DUIs before working at law enforcement agencies. He worked at six Illinois law enforcement agencies since 2020.

We reported earlier that body camera footage released by the prosecutor’s office shows the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy threatening to shoot Massey over a dispute about moving a pot from the stove. Grayson then fires his gun three times at Massey after she briefly stands up. He was indicted by a grand jury on three counts of first-degree murder, along with charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. Grayson is currently held without bond in Sangamon County Jail.

He has pleaded not guilty and could face a prison sentence of 45 years to life if convicted.

Grayson was denied pretrial release, according to court records.

In a July 22 tweet, President Joe Biden said, “Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya’s death at the hands of a police officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.”

In a separate tweet, the president added, “Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.”