DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – Sonya Massey was shot and killed in July 2024 by now former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson. 

Her death sparked protests, calls for justice, and prompted change within the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department. The Massey Commission was formed to make recommendations to county leaders addressing systemic racism and mistrust in law enforcement and other public officials. 

A sheriff resigned, lawmakers passed legislation to prevent another tragic killing, and Massey’s family was awarded a multi-million dollar settlement. 

And a trial awaits for the man charged with her murder.

Below is a timeline of events from when Massey first called 911. 

July 6, 2024 – Massey calls 911 

• Sonya Massey, 36, called 911 from her Springfield home around 1:20 a.m., reporting a suspected prowler

• Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson and an unnamed partner responded

• Once they entered her home, Grayson ordered her to drop a boiling pot of water

• Massey replied “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” and Grayson fired three shots, hitting her in the head

July 8, 2024 – Identification and administrative leave

July 10, 2024 – Bodycam video

July 11 and 12, 2024 – Family hires nationally renowned attorney Ben Crump, community begins protesting

July 15, 2024 – Protests continue

July 17, 2024 – Family views bodycam video

July 18, 2024 – Grayson arrested and terminated, Massey’s death gets the attention of state lawmakers

July 19, 2024 – Massey funeral

July 22, 2024 – Bodycam footage released to the public

• Illinois State Police release the bodycam video, intensifying national scrutiny

• A peace march from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church to Comer Cox Park drew hundreds—including family, community leaders, and politicians

July 23 and 24, 2024 – Federal investigation launched and national commentary

July 25–26, 2024 – Community march and autopsy findings released

July 29, 2024 – Fraternal Order of Police and Sangamon County Sheriff make public statements

July 31, 2024 – Calls for resignation and immunity debate

August 1, 2024 – 911 call released and reform efforts

August 7–9, 2024 – Illinois Governor demands and sheriff retires

August 12-26 2024 – Election and legal developments

September–October 2024 – Massey Commission launches and new sheriff appointed 

Mid–Nov to Dec 2024 – Federal investigation and more legal matters

January 2025 – Local reforms and legislative pushes

February to March 2025 – $10 million settlement and continued oversight

April–June 2025 – Commission growth and memorials

What’s Next

• Trial of Sean Grayson is set—pre-trial motions, jury selection, and venue decisions ongoing

• Enforcement of federal reforms under the Jan. 17 DOJ agreement

• Continued work of the Massey Commission and pending state legislation inspired by the "Sonya Massey Act" and related bills

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