Former Illinois Deputy Sean Grayson Dies While Serving Sentence for Sonya Massey’s Killing
Aug 24, 2026
CHICAGO (AP) — Former Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who was convicted in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, has died while serving a 20-year prison sentence.
Grayson’s attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed his client died Sunday but did not provide additional details.
Grayson, 32, was c
onvicted of second-degree murder in October for killing Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her Springfield-area home in July 2024.
Body camera video showed Grayson shooting Massey three times inside her home after she picked up a pot of hot water. Grayson was fired after the shooting and later sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison.
Grayson had been diagnosed with colon cancer before the shooting, and his attorneys said the disease had spread to his liver and lungs. He sought medical release earlier this year, but the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his request last month.
Massey’s death drew national attention and prompted changes to Illinois law enforcement hiring requirements. The Justice Department also reached an agreement with Sangamon County and other agencies requiring changes to policing and emergency response.
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