Social media users are reacting after Sean Grayson received a 20-year sentence for the fatal 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey.
More On Sean Grayson Being Sentenced For The Fatal Shooting Of Sonya Massey
According to NBC News, on Thursday, January 29, Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison along with two years of supervised release for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Per the outlet, for the first time, Grayson admitted his wrongdoing in shooting Massey.
“I was very unprofessional that night. She didnt deserve to be yelled and cussed at and called names. Nobody deserves that,” he reportedly told the court.
Grayson reportedly apologized for Massey’s death while her daughter, Summer Massey, seemingly rejected his statement.
“It does not feel like he truly understands or cares about the damage he has caused,” she reportedly told the court.
After the sentencing, Summer and her brother, Malachi Massey, expressed gratitude but disappointment amid the verdict.
“Twenty years is not enough, but they did what … they could do,” Summer said while Malachi added. “My soul is ripped, its like a part of me is really dead.”
Social Media Users Are Reacting To The Sentence Sean Grayson Was Given
Meanwhile, social media users reacted to the sentencing of Sean Grayson in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @goldengoddess_0 wrote, “finally some justice! i know we mad about 20 years but at least its something”
While Instagram user @shesojazzzy added, “Not enough but at least he was held accountable ”
Instagram user @thehungryblackman wrote, “That’s not enough”
While Instagram user @rachelsaintfortmusic added, “We never get taken seriously ”
Instagram user @laeszn wrote, “They dont give life sentences no more ????”
While Instagram user @jazzbrasha added, “Finally! ”
Instagram user @chefyankyardee wrote, “Knowing how we (black ppl) always come out on the losing end this is a huge win !”
While Instagram user @kieranyesha added, “Justice was still served. As long as hes not free on unpaid leave. Weve seen way worse. Congratulations to her family. I hope they can start healing. ”
Instagram user @ieka_ wrote, “The only reason Im saying this is because ‘THEY’ normally get off Scott free and still be able to keep their jobs and same life so with that being said, Ill take that 20 at least its more than nothing”
While Instagram user @snobbishbaabe added, “Its not enough but what will be? Nothing will equal to her being gone, but its something compared to getting off Scott free.”
Instagram user @sharinganivan wrote, “I guess this is some sort of justice compared to how things usually go down in the system, but shouldve gotten for life.”
More On The Fatal Shooting Of Sonya Massey
As The Shade Room previously reported, in July 2024, Sonya Massey called the police to her home in Illinois. At the time, she believed there was an intruder. But once Sean Grayson and another deputy arrived, they realized Massey was “calm, perhaps unwell,” but “not aggressive.” Ultimately, the ordeal took a turn when Massey went to raise a pot, and Grayson fired three shots at her.
The fatal incident prompted a national response with celebrity reactions from Tia Mowry, Solange Knowles, and Roxie Washington, the mother of George Floyd’s daughter. In October 2025, Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder. At the time, it was reported that it may be possible for him to only serve half of his sentence with probation.
Jadriena SolomonJadriena “Jade” Solomon is a journalist and editor, specializing in beauty, fashion, entertainment, and culture. A graduate of CUNY Brooklyn College’s Journalism and Media Studies program, she began her career in 2015, publishing independent op-ed articles, and has since built a strong digital media portfolio across reporting, editing, and hosting for major media companies. As The Shade Room’s Senior Editor, Jadriena helps lead editorial direction, manages writers and editors, and has contributed more than 2,600 stories with over 45M page views since her start in 2022. Her past roles include contributing and staff positions at HelloBeautiful, Blavity News, 21Ninety, and Bronze Magazine. She has interviewed talents such as Tamron Hall, Eboni K. Williams, Tia Mowry, LeToya Luckett, Salt-N-Pepa, and more.
