Sean Grayson, convicted in Sonya Massey’s killing, dies in prison

CHICAGO – Sean Grayson, the former Illinois sheriff’s deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey inside her Springfield-area home in 2024, died Sunday while serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Sean Grayson dies in prison after Massey conviction

Grayson’s attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed his client’s death Sunday but declined to provide additional details.

Grayson, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder in October for fatally shooting Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, after she called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her home.

He was sentenced in January to the maximum 20 years in prison.

Grayson had been diagnosed with colon cancer before Massey’s killing. His attorneys said during his sentencing that the cancer had spread to his liver and lungs.

In May, Grayson sought medical release under an Illinois law covering prisoners with terminal illnesses or serious medical conditions. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his request last month.

What they’re saying:

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci released a statement Sunday on behalf of Massey’s family.

“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 statement said.

“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.”

The backstory:

Massey called 911 early on July 6, 2024, to report someone prowling outside her Springfield-area home. Grayson and another Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, Dawson Farley, responded.

Body camera video showed Grayson directing Massey to remove a pot of hot water from the stove. While holding the pot, Massey told the deputies, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Grayson threatened to shoot her, drew his handgun and ordered her to drop the pot. Massey apologized and ducked behind a kitchen counter before Grayson fired three times, shooting her in the face.

Farley later testified that he did not consider Massey a threat and drew his weapon only after Grayson did.

Grayson was fired after the shooting and charged with first-degree murder. During his trial, Grayson argued that he feared Massey would throw the hot water at him. Jurors instead convicted him of the lesser charge of second-degree murder.

Big picture view:

Massey’s killing drew national attention and protests and raised questions about how Grayson had moved through several law enforcement agencies before being hired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

Illinois lawmakers later passed the Sonya Massey Act, which requires law enforcement agencies to more closely review applicants’ previous employment records before hiring them.

The U.S. Justice Department also opened a civil rights investigation after Massey’s death. It later reached an agreement with Sangamon County, the sheriff’s office and other agencies requiring changes to policing and emergency response.

Those changes included additional training for interactions with people with behavioral health disabilities and the development of a mobile crisis response program.