Sean Grayson, the former Illinois sheriff's deputy convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, has died in prison. Grayson, 32, died Sunday, about six months after being sentenced to 20 years for the 2024 killing.
Grayson was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023, according to his defense attorney. His attorneys sought medical release last month, stating the cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread to his liver and lungs, but the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied the request.
Massey's family expressed shock and dismay at Grayson's death, stating that it does not constitute justice for the 36-year-old woman. "This is not what justice looks like," said Sontae Massey, Sonya Massey's cousin. "I don't think any black American can achieve true justice. I think we got as good as we could get. True justice would be serving his full time, sick or not."
The family stated they struggled to obtain information about Grayson since his trial and learned of his death online. "None of us are OK," Sontae Massey told TMZ, adding that the family wants to see his body.
Sonya Massey was shot and killed on July 6, 2024, after calling 911 to report a possible prowler outside her Springfield home. Grayson and another deputy responded to the call. After searching the property and finding no intruder, they entered Massey's home to question her.
During the interaction, Grayson instructed Massey to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove, saying, "We don’t need a fire alarm here." As another deputy moved away from the stove, Massey stated, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Grayson responded, "I’ll fing shoot you right in the fing face," drew his weapon, and fired three times as Massey dropped to the floor. One bullet struck her in the head, killing her.
Grayson later claimed he perceived Massey's rebuke as a threat to throw the boiling water at him. Massey's family and attorneys called this explanation "insulting," noting that Massey had prepared the hot water because she was afraid and was planning to make tea before breakfast the next morning.
Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October and received the maximum 20-year sentence in January. Massey's family and their attorneys, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, had argued he should have been charged with first-degree murder.
The shooting led to nationwide protests, a U.S. Department of Justice review, and increased scrutiny of police hiring practices. Sangamon County later agreed to pay Massey's family $10 million to settle a wrongful-death claim.
Attorneys for the Massey family released a statement: "Sean Grayson's death in custody from cancer does nothing to bring Sonya back. We wish his family prayers of peace, as we do for all who grieve a loved one. Sonya's family know that pain all to well and will grieve her loss the rest of their days."