Sean Grayson, a former deputy from Sangamon County, died on Sunday. His attorney, Daniel L. Fultz, confirmed the news. Grayson was battling Stage 4 colon cancer, but the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed.
In October of the previous year, the 32-year-old Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder for the shooting of Sonya Massey. He was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections with an additional two years of mandatory supervised release.
Last month, Grayson’s request for medical release was denied by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Despite his health condition, he was ordered to remain incarcerated. CBS News Chicago reached out to the Department of Corrections for comments, but no response has been received yet.
Details of the Sonya Massey Shooting
The incident involving Massey occurred in July 2024. Massey, 36, reported a possible prowler outside her residence. Grayson, along with another officer, responded to the call. Inside the house, Grayson claimed that Massey behaved erratically and rebuked him “in the name of Jesus” while approaching a pot of water on her stove.
Grayson’s partner’s bodycam recorded the event where Massey was holding the pot of water. Grayson is heard threatening, “You’d better not. I swear to God, I’ll shoot you right in your face.” He then ordered Massey to “drop the pot.” Massey apologized and ducked, after which Grayson fired three shots, according to the prosecutors.
Dawson Farley, Grayson’s partner, testified during the trial. Farley stated he was not frightened by Massey but instead by Grayson’s actions. Although confused by Massey’s statement, Farley did not perceive it as a threat. He explained that he only drew his weapon because Grayson had done so first.
The case, marked by controversy and complex emotions, continues to attract attention from the public and media.