Roommates… justice doesn’t always come with relief — sometimes it comes heavy, complicated, and unfinished. This week, Sonya Massey’s father and cousin are speaking out after the former officer who killed her, Sean Grayson, was finally sentenced. And, they’re sending her name echoing through the courtroom once again.
After a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting his daughter inside her home in 2024, Sonya Massey’s father, James Wilburn, spoke out. Standing before reporters after the January 29 sentencing, Wilburn thanked the state of Illinois for taking steps toward accountability. Nonetheless, he still made it clear that the fight is far from over.
Wilburn, who lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, pointed to the passage of the Sonya Massey Act, legislation named in his daughter’s honor that strengthens background checks for future police officers. He also acknowledged that the maximum sentence handed down to former deputy Sean Grayson for second-degree murder may be unprecedented in Illinois. But, he stressed that the law itself still falls short. “Twenty years is not enough, but they did what they could,” Wilburn said. He also noted that Grayson will serve only 50% of his sentence under state statute.
Despite emotional reactions of family members shouting “Yes!” when the sentence was read — Wilburn emphasized that Illinois’ sentencing range for second-degree murder needs reform. He called for federal civil rights charges against Grayson and reiterated his hope that the Sonya Massey Act becomes law nationwide. “That’s so no family will ever have to go through the kind of hurt this family has gone through,” he said.
Sontae Massey, Sonya’s cousin, also spoke powerfully following the sentencing, shifting attention to accountability within law enforcement. He publicly praised Deputy Dawson Farley, the officer who testified against Grayson. He emphasized how Farley’s body-worn camera footage played a critical role in the conviction.
“Dawson Farley does not get enough credit,” Sontae said. “We need more police officers like him who stood in the fire and told the truth.”
Wilburn echoed those sentiments, saying Farley’s footage “changed the narrative” and exposed what really happened inside Sonya’s home.
Both Wilburn and Sontae Massey were visibly emotional as they addressed the media, balancing relief with continued frustration. While acknowledging the sentence as a step toward justice, Wilburn said the hardest moment came when Grayson asked the family for forgiveness in court. “He got on the witness stand during the trial and doubled down on his lie,” Wilburn said. He also insisted that federal action and recognition of Sonya’s civil rights violations are necessary for true accountability.
The family’s resolve has now turned toward legacy. Sontae Massey urged Sangamon County voters to support the creation and funding of a 708 Mental Health Board. She acknowledged it as a way to honor Sonya’s life and address systemic failures. Sonya Massey’s mother called 911 just hours before her death, seeking help for a mental health crisis that ended in tragedy.
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