SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago), Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, released the following statement after Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of Sonya Massey:

“Sonya Massey should still be here today. Nothing about this sentence can restore what was taken from her family, her loved ones and her community. While Sean Grayson was sentenced to the fullest extent allowed under the law, this outcome does not offer true closure for a life unjustly taken.

“As we hold the Massey family close in our thoughts, we must also be clear that accountability alone is not enough. There is still important work to be done to confront the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to occur and to ensure real trust, transparency and reform within our systems of public safety. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus remains committed to that work.”