Sean Grayson died in prison on Sunday while serving a sentence for fatally shooting Sonya Massey. Daniel Fultz said the former Illinois sheriff’s deputy died around noon at age 32, ending a prison term that had begun after a January sentencing in the killing case.
Grayson had served about six months of a 20-year maximum sentence for second-degree murder. He had been convicted in the 2024 slaying after responding to Massey’s July 6, 2024, 911 call about a suspected prowler outside her home in Springfield.
Woodside Township shooting case
The shooting happened in Woodside Township near Springfield after Grayson and Deputy Dawson Farley searched Massey’s yard and met her at the door. Massey, 36, appeared confused and repeatedly said, “Please, God.”
During Grayson’s 2025 trial, he testified that Massey picked up a pot of boiling water and walked toward him before saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson said, “I took it as a threat.” He also said, “The only thing I had to stop the threat was my duty weapon.”
Illinois Prisoner Review Board
Late last month, WCIA reported that Grayson’s cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread to his liver, lungs and rectum. Days later, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his request for a medical release by a vote of 3-0, leaving the prison term in place even as his condition had advanced.
Sean Grayson denied 3-0 medical release became the key procedural step before his death, and the denial meant the board did not move him out of custody before Sunday. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent Massey’s family, said, “Sonya Massey’s death was unjustifiable and she should be alive today,” and added, “Sean Grayson’s death in custody from cancer does not bring Sonya back.” They also said, “We wish his family prayers of peace, as we do for all who grieve a loved one.”
The case had already spread beyond Illinois after bodycam footage of the shooting prompted protests in New York City, Chicago and Atlanta. Grayson’s death closes his sentence, but it does not change the conviction that followed the shooting or the loss that began when Massey called for help on July 6, 2024.
