Sean Grayson dies in prison after Sonya Massey murder conviction
Sean Grayson died in prison, his attorney told CBS News; the cause was unclear after a denied medical-release request.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
2 min read
Sean Grayson dies in prison, according to his attorney, after the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey.
Attorney Daniel L. Fultz confirmed Grayson’s death to CBS News on Sunday. The Illinois Department of Corrections had not responded to CBS News Chicago’s request for comment at the time of its report.
The cause of death was not known. CBS News reported that Grayson had been receiving treatment for stage 4 colon cancer, but did not establish whether the disease caused his death.
Grayson was serving a 20-year Illinois prison term, followed by two years of mandatory supervised release, CBS News reported. A jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in October, and ABC News reported he was sentenced in January.
What happened in the Sonya Massey shooting?
Massey, 36, called police in July 2024 to report a possible prowler outside her Springfield, Illinois, home, according to CBS News and ABC News. Grayson and another officer responded to the call, and Massey was fatally shot inside her home.
Video from Grayson’s partner recorded the shooting, CBS News reported. Grayson’s own body camera was not activated for most of the encounter and switched on shortly after he drew his weapon.
CBS News reported that prosecutors said Massey apologized and ducked for cover before Grayson fired. Three shots can be heard in the video, the outlet reported.
Why was Grayson still in custody?
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board rejected Grayson’s request for medical release last month, despite an application citing advanced colon cancer, CBS News reported. ABC News reported on July 31 that the board voted 3-0 to deny the request and said he would remain in custody.
The reporting reviewed for this article did not describe any change to Grayson’s conviction following his death.
CBS News’ report on Grayson’s death said Fultz confirmed the news. No official cause of death had been announced in the reporting available.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.