SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A motion to reconsider Sean Grayson's sentence was denied Friday.

The former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 for the police killing of Sonya Massey after she dialed 911 to report a prowler at her home. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in January.

On Friday, Grayson's attorneys asked the judge to reconsider Grayson's sentence. They said the maximum sentence was too much given Grayson's actions and history. 

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser disagreed, citing Grayson's decision to threaten to shoot Massey and follow through with his threat. 

The judge ultimately agreed with Milhiser, and said the sentence would stand as it was given. 

Many members of the Massey family attended the hearing. They were happy to see Grayson remain behind bars, but frustrated they had to return to the courthouse once again. 

"We are tired of going through all of this stuff," said Sontae Massey, Sonya's cousin. "This is a great ruling in the grand scheme of things. They can still take this up to the appellate court... everybody in my family is dealing with trauma from this and the more it gets brought up and extended, the worse it gets for us." 

Grayson did appear in court virtually for the hearing. His attorney said that he plans to file an appeal with a higher court.

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