Sean Grayson, Former Illinois Deputy Convicted of Killing Sonya Massey, Dies in Prison, Lawyer Says

Discretion advised: This story involves details of a fatal police shooting.

Sean Grayson, the former Illinois sheriff's deputy whose fatal shooting of Sonya Massey inside her home became a flashpoint over police use of force, died Sunday, August 23, while serving a 20-year prison sentence. He was 32.

Confirmation of Death

Grayson's attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed that his former client died around noon on Sunday but declined to provide further details. Grayson had been six months into his 20-year sentence for second-degree murder at the time of his death. He had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2023, before the shooting, and his condition had since progressed to stage 4 while he was incarcerated. It was not immediately clear whether cancer was the cause of his death.

Denied Medical Release Weeks Before Dying

In July, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Grayson's request for medical release despite his advanced cancer diagnosis. The Sangamon County State's Attorney's office had opposed his release at the time, citing concerns that his temper could pose a risk to the public. Sonya Massey's cousin, Sontae Massey, told ABC News after the board's decision that the family was relieved but remained cautious, saying: "We'll take these small victories, but we know we've got an uphill battle ahead of us because he can turn around and he can apply again and again and again. I think that he will not stop until he is out. We have to make sure that he is denied each and every time."

What Happened the Night of the Shooting

Grayson shot and killed Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two, inside her Springfield-area home in July 2024 after she called 911 to report a possible prowler. Body camera video from Grayson's partner, Deputy Dawson Farley, captured the encounter: Massey was recorded crouching in her kitchen and apologizing moments before Grayson shot her in the face. According to accounts of the footage, Grayson threatened to shoot Massey, drew his handgun, and ordered her to drop a pot of water she had moved from her stove; she apologized and ducked behind a kitchen counter before he fired three times. Notably, Grayson's own body camera was not activated for most of the call, only turning on shortly after he drew his weapon.

The Trial and Conviction

Grayson was fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office after the shooting and initially charged with first-degree murder. Farley later testified that he had not considered Massey a threat and only drew his own weapon after Grayson drew his. Jurors ultimately convicted Grayson of the lesser charge of second-degree murder in October, after his defense argued he feared Massey would throw the hot water at him. At his January sentencing, Grayson gave a statement expressing remorse for the first time, saying he made "terrible decisions" that night: "I was very unprofessional that night. She didn't deserve to be yelled and cussed at and called names. Nobody deserves that."

A Case That Drove Policy Change

Massey's killing drew national attention and sustained protests, raising broader questions about how Grayson had moved through several law enforcement agencies before being hired by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office despite prior red flags in his record. In response, Illinois lawmakers passed the Sonya Massey Act, which requires law enforcement agencies to more closely review an applicant's previous employment history before hiring an officer. The US Department of Justice also opened a civil rights investigation following Massey's death, later reaching an agreement with Sangamon County, its sheriff's office, and other local officials.

The Massey Family's Response

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represented Massey's family, issued a statement following news of Grayson's death: "Sonya Massey's death was unjustifiable, and she should be alive today. Sean Grayson's death in custody from cancer does not bring Sonya back. 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."

What's Next

With Grayson's death, the criminal case against him is now closed, though the broader civil rights and policy fallout from Massey's killing — including the DOJ's agreement with Sangamon County and the Sonya Massey Act — continues to shape law enforcement practices in Illinois. For continuing coverage, see the CBS News Chicago report.