The Root previously reported that Sean Grayson, a white Sangamon County deputy, was charged with first-degree murder after he shot at Massey three times in her home on July 6, 2024. The jury was given the option of considering second-degree murder, which can apply in cases where a defendant believes their actions were justified— even if that belief was unreasonable. He was found guilty of second-degree murder in October. Now, Grayson will spend the next 20 years in prison for Massey’s murder. Judge Ryan Cadagin said that Grayson will also have a two-year mandatory supervised release, according to local news channel ABC 20.