Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. is standing in solidarity with James Wilburn, the father of Sonya Massey, following the conviction of a former Illinois deputy in Massey’s death — a case that drew national attention for its disturbing use of deadly force.
A jury in Springfield, Illinois, found former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who had called police for help. The verdict followed jury deliberations that included review of body camera footage capturing the shooting, which Sheriff Woods described as “one of the most tragic and unjustified acts of law enforcement violence we’ve witnessed in recent memory.”
In a statement released Friday, Woods said he supports the jury’s decision and believes it represents an important step toward accountability and justice.
“While no verdict can ever truly fill the void left by Sonya’s passing, I agree with the jury’s decision and view it as a necessary step toward justice,” Woods said. “This case reminds us of the sacred responsibility law enforcement officers carry when responding to calls from the public — especially from those seeking help in their most vulnerable moments.”
Woods said he has remained in contact with Wilburn since the incident, offering condolences and support “as a fellow father, a community leader, and a public servant committed to integrity, accountability, and reform.”
The sheriff, who also serves as a Commissioner for the Arkansas Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST), said the case underscores the need for continued commitment to justice, transparency, and public trust in policing.
“We must now come together — not only to grieve, but to recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, transparency, and community trust,” Woods said. “Let Sonya Massey’s name be etched in our hearts — not only as a reminder of what was lost — but as a call to action to do better, be better, and expect better from those sworn to serve and protect.”
Woods closed his statement by urging the public to continue keeping the Massey and Wilburn families in their prayers as they seek healing and closure.
