Sean Grayson, former Sangamon County deputy convicted in killing of Sonya Massey, dies in prison, attorney says
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy convicted of murdering Sonya Massey in 2024, has died; his attorney confirmed the news but the exact cause of death remains unclear amid his battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.
- Grayson, 32, was serving a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder, following his conviction last October for the fatal shooting of Massey in her home.
- The Illinois Prisoner Review Board recently denied Grayson's request for medical release despite his advanced cancer diagnosis, ordering him to remain incarcerated.
- The shooting occurred in July 2024 after Massey called police about a possible prowler; bodycam footage from Grayson's partner captured the moment Grayson shot Massey after a tense confrontation inside her home.
- Grayson's own body camera was mostly off during the incident, only activating after he drew his weapon, with audio capturing him threatening Massey before shooting her three times.
