Sean P. Grayson, the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy charged with fatally shooting Sonya Massey on July 6, had a history of complaints alleging violence and aggression toward women that were overlooked by his superiors. Despite several accusations of belligerent behavior, Grayson continued his law enforcement career, raising questions about the hiring practices of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department.
Massey’s killing has sparked national outrage over police brutality, leading to demonstrations across the country and a federal investigation by the Justice Department. In response to her death, Springfield city leaders and Sangamon County Board member Kevin McGuire are demanding a comprehensive review of the department’s hiring practices. McGuire has proposed an outside investigative team to examine the process.
Among the complaints against Grayson in Illinois are serious allegations. In December 2022, Chelsey Lowe, a former inmate at the Logan County Jail, filed a grievance accusing Grayson of coercing her to expose herself during a drug search. Grayson denied the accusation and resigned before any formal investigation concluded.
He then joined the Sangamon sheriff’s office in May 2023 and was employed there when he shot Massey.
Former deputy’s overlooked violent history
Lowe described her experience in her grievance form, stating that Grayson instructed her to remove drugs hidden in her body in front of him, making her feel “very afraid and forced.” Her ordeal was interrupted by a female officer, but later Grayson allegedly exposed her again at the hospital, leading to further feelings of violation.
Grayson’s ex-wife, Alexia Kay Pitchford, detailed “extreme and repeated acts of mental cruelty” in her divorce petition filed in June 2015. Additionally, Grayson faced a citizen complaint in May 2023, wherein he was accused of unlawfully intimidating a 17-year-old girl while attempting to enter a house without a warrant. This complaint, like others, was not sustained following an informal review.
Public records show that complaints against law enforcement officers like Grayson are typically handled internally and often dismissed, a practice criticized by police reform advocates. Grayson’s fatal encounter with Massey began when he responded to her 911 call about a possible intruder. Body cam footage, released on July 22, reveals a tense confrontation in which Grayson, showing impatience and aggression, shot Massey in her kitchen.
Following a heated exchange, Grayson fired multiple shots, hitting Massey in the head. Grayson now faces three first-degree murder charges and has been dismissed from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department. The department and Grayson’s attorney have not responded to requests for comments on these findings.
The incident has further fueled discussions on the need for police reform and accountability.
- WANDTV.”Large crowd expected at Sangamon Co. board meeting following retirement of Sheriff Campbell”.
- CNN.”‘Blood is on the hands of the system’: Sonya Massey’s family attorneys want new legislation after she was killed by a deputy”.
- USAToday.”EXCLUSIVE: Ex-deputy who killed Sonya Massey had history of complaints involving women”.