Former Deputy Sean Grayson, convicted in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, has died in prison.
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Former Deputy Sean Grayson, convicted in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, has died in prison.
- Grayson, 32, was serving a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder when he died on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
- Grayson had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, and his request for medical release was denied by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board last month.
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Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy convicted of the 2024 murder of Sonya Massey, passed away in prison on Sunday, August 23, 2026. His attorney, Daniel L. Fultz, confirmed the death. Grayson was 32 years old.
Grayson was serving a 20-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections after being found guilty of second-degree murder in October 2025 for the shooting of Sonya Massey. The incident occurred in July 2024, when Massey, 36, called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her home. Grayson and another deputy responded to the call. Bodycam footage from Grayson’s partner captured the moment Grayson shot Massey, who died from a gunshot wound. Grayson’s own body camera was not activated for most of the interaction.
Prior to his death, Grayson had been battling Stage 4 colon cancer, a diagnosis his attorneys stated he received before the shooting. In May 2026, he sought a medical release from prison, citing his terminal illness. However, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board rejected his request in July 2026, ordering him to remain in custody.
Attorneys for Sonya Massey’s family, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, released a statement acknowledging Grayson’s death but emphasizing that it does not bring Sonya back. They extended prayers of peace to Grayson’s family, while also recognizing the enduring pain of Massey’s family.