Celeb Alerts
Sonya Massey was a 36-year-old Illinois woman whose fatal shooting by a sheriff’s deputy in July 2024 drew national attention and sparked renewed debate over police use of force and mental health crisis response in the United States. Here is a detailed look at Sonya Massey’s life, background, family, case details, and legacy.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Sonya Lynaye Wilburn-Massey
- Date of Birth: February 12, 1988
- Age at Death: 36 years
- Date of Death: July 6, 2024
- Birthplace: United States (Illinois resident)
- Residence: Springfield, Illinois, USA
- Nationality: American
- Known For: Victim in a high-profile police shooting case (2024)
Early Life & Background
Sonya Massey was born on February 12, 1988. She lived in Springfield, Illinois, and was known by family and friends as a devoted mother.
Public reporting indicates that in the period leading up to her death, she had experienced mental health challenges, and her family had sought assistance for her well-being.
Despite personal struggles, she remained closely connected to her family and children. Her life before the incident was largely private and not widely documented in public records beyond local community ties.
Parents & Family
Public information about Sonya Massey’s parents and extended family remains limited. Following her death, her family members spoke publicly, advocating for accountability and justice.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump represented the Massey family during legal proceedings related to the case.
Education
There are no widely published records detailing Sonya Massey’s educational background. Most publicly available information focuses on the events surrounding her death and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Incident & Case Details
On July 6, 2024, Sonya Massey called 911 from her home in Springfield, Illinois, reporting concerns about a possible intruder.
Deputies from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call. During the interaction inside her home, the situation escalated, and Deputy Sean Patrick Grayson fatally shot Massey.
Body camera footage later released publicly showed key moments of the encounter, contributing to national attention and widespread public reaction.
The case quickly became part of broader conversations surrounding law enforcement practices, racial disparities, and mental health crisis intervention.
Legal Proceedings
Deputy Sean Patrick Grayson was charged in connection with Sonya Massey’s death. In October 2025, a jury convicted him of second-degree murder.
In January 2026, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed for that charge under Illinois law.
In addition to the criminal case, Sangamon County reached a reported $10 million wrongful death settlement with Massey’s family, one of the largest such settlements in the county’s history.
Family, Children & Personal Life
Sonya Massey was the mother of two children, a son and a daughter. Following her death, family members publicly expressed grief and emphasized her role as a caring and loving mother. Her children were left to cope with the loss amid national media coverage and legal proceedings.
Physical Measurements
- Height: Not publicly documented
- Weight: Not publicly documented
- Hair Color: Black (based on public photographs)
- Eye Color: Brown (based on public photographs)
Social Media
- No verified public social media accounts widely reported
- Her name trended across major platforms following the release of body camera footage
- Family statements and advocacy efforts were shared through news outlets and civil rights organizations
Net Worth
There is no publicly documented net worth associated with Sonya Massey.
Trivia
- She called 911 seeking help prior to the fatal encounter.
- Her case resulted in a second-degree murder conviction of the responding deputy.
- A $10 million wrongful death settlement was reached with her family.
- The case became part of national conversations on policing reform in 2024–2026.
FAQs
Who was Sonya Massey?
She was a 36-year-old Illinois mother who was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy after calling 911 for help in July 2024.
What happened in her case?
After deputies responded to her 911 call, an encounter inside her home escalated, and she was shot. The deputy involved was later convicted of second-degree murder.
What was the outcome of the legal case?
The deputy was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and a civil settlement of $10 million was reached with Massey’s family.
Why did her case receive national attention?
The case raised significant concerns about police use of force, mental health crisis response, and accountability in law enforcement.
