Sean Grayson Dies at 32 While Serving 20-Year Sentence for Sonya Massey Murder
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 24
Sean Grayson Dies at 32 While Serving 20-Year Sentence for Sonya Massey Murder
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 24
Summary
Sean Grayson, the former Illinois deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey, died Sunday at 32, his attorney said, six months into a 20-year prison term.
Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosed in 2023 had spread to his liver and lungs by January sentencing, and Illinois denied his medical-release request in July.
Body-camera footage from July 2024 showed Grayson shoot Massey, 36, three times after she apologized and dropped to the floor during a 911 prowler call response in Springfield.
The killing triggered protests over systemic racism, a US Justice Department review, the Sonya Massey Act tightening police background checks, and a $10 million settlement for Massey's family.