Sean Grayson, former Illinois deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey, dies in prison, lawyer says
Summary
Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey in 2024, died in prison while serving a 20-year sentence. Massey was shot after calling police to report a possible prowler, and the case led to new laws and federal investigations into police hiring and conduct.Key Facts
- Sean Grayson was convicted in October 2025 of second-degree murder for killing Sonya Massey in July 2024.
- Massey had called 911 about a possible prowler outside her home in Springfield, Illinois.
- Body camera footage showed Massey holding a pot of hot water and apologizing before Grayson shot her three times.
- Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison in January 2026 and died there in August 2026.
- Grayson had colon cancer that spread to his liver and lungs and had applied for medical release, which was denied.
- Massey’s death prompted protests and led Illinois lawmakers to pass the Sonya Massey Act, which requires better review of law enforcement job applicants' past records.
- The U.S. Justice Department conducted a civil rights investigation and reached an agreement with local agencies to improve training and crisis response.
- Grayson was fired after the shooting and had worked for multiple law enforcement agencies before the incident.
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