Sean Grayson, the former Illinois sheriff’s deputy who was serving a 20-year prison sentence for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, has died, according to his defense attorney. Daniel Fultz confirmed to The Post that Grayson, 32, died early Sunday, August 23.
Grayson’s Death and Cancer Diagnosis
Grayson had been diagnosed with colon cancer before the 2024 shooting. In January, his attorney noted that the cancer had advanced to his liver and lungs. Fultz was unable to comment on whether Grayson’s death was related to his cancer diagnosis.
Grayson was six months into his 20-year second-degree murder sentence. He was convicted in October for the shooting, following protests over systemic racism and a US Department of Justice review. He received the maximum possible prison sentence in January.
The Shooting of Sonya Massey
Grayson, who is white, shot Massey, a 36-year-old single Black mother, in the face on July 6, 2024, inside her Springfield, Illinois, home. Massey had called 911 about a possible prowler. Body camera footage showed that as she moved a pot of hot water from the stove and said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Grayson yelled at her and pulled out his pistol. Massey said, “I’m sorry,” and ducked before Grayson shot at her three times.
The footage also showed Grayson telling his partner at the scene that he didn’t need to grab a medical kit to help Massey, who sustained a gunshot wound to her face. Grayson and his attorneys argued that he feared Massey would scald him with the hot water.
Prison Board Denied Early Release
In July, a three-member Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously to deny Grayson’s application for an early medical release. The decision came after his cancer had spread to his liver and lungs.
Family Attorneys Respond
Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, attorneys for Massey’s family, issued a statement on Sunday evening sending prayers to Grayson’s family but maintaining that his death “does not bring Sonya back.”
“Sonya Massey’s death was unjustifiable, and she should be alive today. Sean Grayson’s death in custody from cancer does not bring Sonya back,” the attorneys said in a statement to WLS. “We wish his family prayers of peace, as we do for all who grieve a loved one. Sonya’s family knows that pain all too well and will grieve her loss the rest of their days.”
