(The Center Square) – Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson died Sunday while serving a 20-year prison sentence for the July 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, a Springfield woman, in her home.
Grayson was found guilty of second degree murder by an Illinois jury in October for shooting and killing the unarmed Massey in her home.
The former deputy was diagnosed with colon cancer prior to the shooting, which his lawyer said upon his sentencing hearing in January had advanced to stage 4 and spread to both his liver and lungs.
One of Grayson’s defense lawyers, Daniel Fultz, confirmed to The Center Square Sunday evening that he died earlier that day at the age of 32.
The Illinois Department of Corrections hasn't disclosed in what facility he was serving his sentence.
Teresa Haley, a community activist, family friend and spokeswoman for the Massey family told The Center Square the family was relieved by the news of Grayson’s death.
“When we received the news, we were excited. We were happy and we were relieved. We actually felt like justice has been delivered, not necessarily served,” Haley said.
Grayson was denied early medical release by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board on July 31 after he filed a request under the Joe Coleman Act in May, citing the progression of his cancer.
In his application, Grayson maintained his account of the shooting, despite the jury’s verdict.
“While inside, she attacked me with a pot of boiling water and I fatally shot Mrs. Massey. I was tried for first degree [murder.] The jury found me guilty of second degree,” Grayson wrote.
John C. Milhiser, the Sangamon County states attorney, wrote to the PRB that his office opposed Grayson’s request for compassionate release, pointing to body camera footage detailing the deputy choosing to not render medical aid after shooting Massey.
Haley contended Grayson should’ve been convicted of first degree murder.
“We still think he should have gotten first degree murder, but god has a way of prevailing and making things happen on his time, so we’re just glad he’s no longer with us,” Haley said.
The family won a $10 million settlement stemming from a wrongful death lawsuit against the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and the county in 2025.
Legislation in the statehouse also passed requiring full employment history background checks for officers prior to their hiring as a result of Massey's killing.
It was revealed Grayson previously worked for the Logan County Sheriff’s Department and multiple other law enforcement agencies since 2020, many of which he committed various acts of misconduct.
The Illinois Department of Corrections didn’t respond to an after-hours inquiry before publication.
Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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