Illinois Board Denies Medical Release For Ex-Deputy Who Killed Sonya Massey
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Sean Grayson's request for medical release on Friday in Springfield, keeping him in prison despite a state medical assessment that said he is likely to die within 18 months from advanced colon cancer.[1]
Grayson is about six months into a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey.[1] A three-person Prisoner Review Board panel heard the request and declined to grant release.[1] Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser and Massey family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci opposed the early release.[1]
In 2024, Grayson was sentenced to 20 years for second-degree murder in Massey's killing.[1] He pursued medical release after doctors documented advanced colon cancer and a state medical professional concluded he was likely to die within 18 months.[1]
The board's decision keeps Grayson in custody and leaves his 20-year sentence intact as the family and prosecutors continue to oppose any early release.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Sean Grayson's request for medical release in Springfield.
- Grayson is about six months into a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey.
- A state medical professional found Grayson likely to die within 18 months from advanced colon cancer, but the three-person panel still declined release.
- Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser and Massey family attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci all opposed early release.
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