Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy convicted of second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, has died. His attorney Daniel Fultz confirmed the news to NPR Illinois.
Grayson died on Sunday. A cause of death or location was not confirmed. Grayson had been serving a prison sentence at an undisclosed facility.
On July 6, 2024, Grayson and another officer responded to Massey's 9-1-1 call in which reported a prowler. Body camera footage showed the two entering Massey's home and speaking with her before she went to the kitchen to remove a pot of boiling water from her stove. Grayson then became concerned and began yelling at the woman to put the pot down or he would shoot her. He then opened fire, striking Massey, 36, in the head. She died that night.
Grayson was fired after a review of the footage. He was later jailed and indicted for first-degree murder. He claimed he shot Massey because he feared for his safety.
A jury last fall convicted him of the lesser charge. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Grayson had been battling colon cancer, which his attorneys said progressed to Stage 4. An effort to allow him to serve his sentence on home confinement due to the illness was rejected this summer by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Massey's family testified against his request.
Grayson was last reported to be receiving medical treatment outside an Illinois Department of Corrections facility due to his health and security concerns.
Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, attorneys for the family of Sonya Massey, issued a statement Sunday night:
“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. 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.”
