Sean Grayson, once an Illinois deputy sheriff and later convicted for the murder of Sonya Massey, has died while serving his prison sentence.
His attorney, Daniel L. Fultz, confirmed Grayson’s passing on August 23.
The former lawman, aged 32, had been battling Stage 3 colon cancer since 2023. At his sentencing hearing in January, his legal representatives sought leniency due to the disease progressing to stage 4 as it metastasized to his lungs and liver.
In May, four months later, Grayson requested an early medical release owing to the rapid advancement of his cancer, but his appeal was turned down.
“The presence of cancer doesn’t lessen his threat,” the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office stated in a letter from July, opposing his release. “He has merely begun serving his 20-year sentence for second-degree murder.”
The letter continued, “To release Grayson under these circumstances would be a miscarriage of justice and an insult to Sonya Massey’s memory and family.”
What Happened to Sonya Massey?
On July 6, 2024, Massey, a mom of two, called 911 after suspecting that someone was trying to break into her Springfield home.
The day prior, Massey’s mother Donna Massey had called 911 to report that her daughter was experiencing a “mental breakdown” but did not pose a threat to herself or others, according to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
When Grayson and fellow officer Dawson Farley responded to Massey’s 911 call, they found Massey, who removed a pot of boiling water from the stove. She told the officers, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” as seen in body camera footage published by the Associated Press.
Both officers drew their guns as Grayson said, “You better f–king not or I swear to God I will shoot you right in the f–king face.”
Though Massey apologized and ducked behind the counter as the officers ordered her to drop the pot, Grayson fired three shots, striking Massey in the head.
Grayson then told Farley not to help Massey, saying, “There is nothing we can do, man.”
Grayson was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and initially charged with first-degree murder.
During his October trial, Grayson testified that he shot Massey in self-defense, fearing that she would throw the hot water on him.
As for why he chose to use his gun, “I didn’t want to take the chance of the Taser malfunctioning,” he told the court. “The Taser doesn’t work on everybody.”
The prosecution, however, argued that Massey did not pose a threat.
“He wants you to believe he was scared,” First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers told the jury. “But you don’t have to believe that, because it’s not true.”
Farley also testified that while he was never afraid of Massey, he was afraid of Grayson that night.
Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder, a verdict Massey’s family publicly condemned.
“Anyone who saw the video and thought it was partly Sonya’s fault is inhumane,” her mom told reporters, according to KSDK. “I can’t wait til he gets to hell.”
After news of Grayson’s death, Massey’s family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci issued a statement.
“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,” they said, according to Fox16. “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.”
A spokesperson from the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Oxygen.