Former Illinois Deputy Who Killed Sonya Massey Dies In Prison
Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County deputy convicted in the killing of Sonya Massey, died in prison on Sunday, August 23, 2026, his attorney said.[1]
Grayson, 32, had been serving a 20-year sentence after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder for the July 2024 shooting of Massey in her home.[1] His attorney said Grayson had Stage 4 colon cancer and that the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his petition for medical release last month.[1]
Massey called about a possible prowler at her house in July 2024, and the shooting that followed led to Grayson's arrest and trial.[1] Body camera footage from Grayson's partner, and gaps in footage from Grayson for much of the call, were key evidence in the prosecution's case.[1]
No immediate details were released about the location or circumstances of his death, and officials had not announced funeral plans.
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📌 Key Facts
- Sean Grayson died in prison on Sunday, August 23, 2026, according to his attorney.
- Grayson, 32, was serving a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder in the July 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey in her home.
- He had Stage 4 colon cancer and was denied medical release by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board last month.
- Bodycam from Grayson's partner, but not from Grayson for most of the call, captured the fatal shooting after Massey called about a possible prowler.
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