Sean Grayson, convicted of murdering Sonya Massey, dies in prison

Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy convicted of murdering Sonya Massey inside her home, died in prison on Sunday morning. He was 32 years old. Grayson had been serving a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder at the time of his death, which came less than a year after his conviction.

Grayson's defense attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed the death to NBC News, stating it occurred around noon on Sunday. The Illinois Department of Corrections did not immediately provide details. Grayson had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023, prior to the shooting, and his attorneys later stated the disease had progressed to Stage 4, spreading to his liver and lungs. In May, he had petitioned the Illinois Prisoner Review Board for compassionate release under the Joe Coleman Act, citing his terminal illness. The board denied that request in late July.

The case stemmed from the events of July 6, 2024, when Massey, a 36-year-old single mother, called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her Springfield home. Grayson and another deputy responded to the call. Body camera footage from the second deputy captured the encounter, showing Grayson directing Massey to...