Deputy Who Killed Sonya Massey Discharged from Army for Misconduct

In partnership with

This story was originally published by Invisible Institute, IPM Newsroom, and the Investigative Reporting Workshop

Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, had a troubling past. Military records reveal that Grayson was discharged from the U.S. Army for serious misconduct before joining law enforcement.

Grayson, indicted for Massey’s death, is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. His Army discharge from Fort Riley in 2016 was for “Misconduct (Serious Offense).” The discharge type suggests a civilian equivalent of a year-long incarceration.

Despite receiving a “general” discharge under “honorable conditions,” Grayson’s service was tainted by serious misconduct, including DUI convictions. His erratic behavior in various police departments led to his eventual arrest for Massey’s murder, sparking calls for police reform.

This shocking case underscores the need for thorough background checks in law enforcement recruitment to prevent hiring individuals with problematic pasts. Grayson’s story serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences when such individuals are entrusted with public safety.