Sean Grayson, the former police officer convicted of murdering Sonya Massey, has died in prison at age 32. Grayson was undergoing treatment for colon cancer. His lawyer, Daniel Fultz, confirmed his death on Sunday but did not disclose the cause.
Grayson shot and killed Massey, 36, during an incident at her Illinois home in 2024 after she reported a suspected intruder. Grayson stated he fired his weapon because he believed Massey was about to throw a pot of boiling water at him. He was found guilty of second-degree murder last year.
The killing reignited national debate surrounding police brutality in the United States. Protests occurred across the country in the aftermath of Massey's death. Then-President Joe Biden commented that Massey "should be alive today."
Lawyers representing Massey's family issued a statement saying, "Grayson's death in custody from cancer does not bring Sonya back." The statement, shared with CBS News, added, "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." The BBC has requested comment from the Illinois Department of Corrections.