Sean Grayson, previously a Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy, passed away on Sunday. His attorney, Daniel L. Fultz, confirmed the death. Grayson had been receiving treatment for Stage 4 colon cancer. However, the exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed.
Grayson, aged 32, was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey and was serving a 20-year sentence followed by two years of mandatory supervised release. Last month, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Grayson’s request for medical release despite his advanced cancer. CBS News Chicago is awaiting a response from the Department of Corrections.
The Incident at Sonya Massey’s Home
In July 2024, Sonya Massey, 36, called for police assistance due to a possible prowler near her home. Grayson and another officer responded. Inside the residence, Grayson alleged that Massey acted erratically, claiming she rebuked him “in the name of Jesus” and approached a pot of water on the stove. The altercation was captured on bodycam video by Grayson’s partner.
According to the footage, Grayson warned Massey not to use the pot of water and threatened to shoot her in the face. Massey apologized and tried to find cover before Grayson shot her. The video revealed the sound of three gunshots.
Testimony from Grayson’s Partner
Dawson Farley, Grayson’s partner at the time, testified that he never saw Massey as a threat. Farley expressed that he felt endangered by Grayson during the call. Although Massey’s words puzzled Farley, he only drew his weapon in reaction to Grayson’s actions.