The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department late Wednesday released the personnel file of former deputy Sean Grayson, who is accused of the murder of Sonya Massey.
Massey was shot to death in her home last month after calling for help during a mental health crisis. Grayson was fired after he was charged with first-degree murder last month.
READ MORE: CNI Investigates the death of Sonya Massey
The 163-page personnel file begins in March of 2021, when Grayson applied to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department. At the time, he was working part-time at both the Pawnee and Kincaid Police Departments.
In his application he listed an Illinois State Police trooper, a Capitol Police Officer and a former Army buddy as references. On his application Grayson wrote that he had received an honorable discharge from the military. His discharge papers included with his personnel file show that Grayson was issued a general discharge under honorable circumstances and did not finish his term of duty.
In Grayson’s background investigation, Scott Butterfield, a longtime deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, provided a reference. In his interview, Butterfield said that Grayson was “a mellow and non-confrontational person.” Butterfield also disclosed that Grayson was dating his daughter. The two were scheduled to marry in October.
Grayson underwent a psychological examination in March 2023 as part of the hiring process. Thomas Champion, a licensed psychologist, recommended Grayson as qualified for the job, but noted the assessment was subjective, not predictive.
Champion noted that Grayson scored low on the cognitive assessment and concluded that it will take Grayson “longer to learn, process and apply new materials as compared to others.” He further found that Grayson was “rigid and linear” in his thinking.
“He knows he can move too fast at times. He needs to slow down to make good decisions,” Champion wrote.
Champion added that experience and training would help.
The personnel file includes a letter written on Jan. 25, 2024, by Sheriff Jack Campbell. In the letter, Campbell passed along a compliment he received about Grayson from a woman who was the victim of a burglary and fraud.
“It’s professionalism like you displayed that makes a difference to the people you come into contact with,” Campbell wrote. “Thank you for your diligence in your duties and for remembering that helping the citizens in Sangamon County of the main role we play.”
Massey, 36, was unarmed when she was shot in the kitchen of her home on July 6. She called the police to request help after she said she heard someone outside of her house.
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