Murder of Sonya Massey
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The gist
Sean Grayson, ex-deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey, died in prison Sunday. His death closes a case that sparked national protests over police violence.
Background
Sonya Massey, a Black woman, was fatally shot by then-Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson in her Illinois home on July 6, 2024, after she called 911 to report a prowler. The shooting, captured on bodycam, drew national attention and protests, raising questions about police use of force and Grayson's hiring history. Grayson was fired, charged with first-degree murder, and later convicted of second-degree murder, receiving a 20-year sentence.
How it unfolded
- Jul 6, 2024Sonya Massey, 36, was shot and killed by Deputy Sean Grayson at her home in Woodside Township, Illinois, after she called 911 about a prowler.
- Oct 2025A jury convicted Grayson of second-degree murder, a lesser charge than the first-degree murder he was originally charged with.
- Jan 2026Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison. His attorneys disclosed he had stage 3 colon cancer that had spread to his liver and lungs.
- Jul 2026The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Grayson's request for medical release under the Joe Coleman Act, citing his cancer.
- Aug 23, 2026Grayson died in prison, according to his attorney Daniel Fultz. The cause of death was not immediately confirmed.
Who’s saying what
- Massey family
- Massey's family attorneys said Grayson's death 'does not bring Sonya back' and offered prayers of peace to his family.
- Grayson's attorney
- Attorney Daniel Fultz confirmed Grayson's death but provided no further details, noting Grayson had been battling cancer.
Still unverified
The exact cause of Grayson's death has not been confirmed; he had stage 3/4 colon cancer, but whether it caused his death is unclear.