Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci and Family of Sonya Massey Respond to Sentencing of Sean Grayson

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (January 29, 2026) - Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio M. Romanucci released a statement following the Thursday sentencing of former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of Sonya Massey.

Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison, plus two years probation for the fatal 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey in her own home.

Attorneys Crump and Romanucci released the following statement:

“Today’s sentence of 20 years in prison affirms a critical truth: no one is above the law. While no amount of time behind bars can ever restore Sonya Massey’s life or ease her family’s unimaginable grief, this sentence represents an important step toward accountability for a senseless and devastating loss.

Sonya Massey should be alive today. She was killed in her home by someone sworn to protect her. We hope this outcome sends a clear message that abuse of power, particularly by those entrusted with public safety, will be met with real consequences. Our commitment to Sonya’s family does not end here. We will continue fighting for justice, meaningful reform and a system that truly protects the communities it serves.” 

ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW

Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For 25 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards.  Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.