Who was Sean Grayson? 5 things to know about Sonya Massey's killer as he dies in prison

Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy, died in prison after being convicted for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Grayson was serving a 20-year sentence for his actions on July 6, 2024, when he shot Massey three times at her Springfield home. He had been battling stage 4 colon cancer and had sought compassionate release due to his terminal illness.

However, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board unanimously denied his request, ruling that he would remain incarcerated despite his illness. The shooting occurred after Massey called 911 reporting a possible intruder. Grayson's body camera footage showed him confronting Massey near a pot of boiling water, during which he threatened her with his firearm before shooting her.

Massey's family, including her mother and cousin, opposed Grayson's release, with her mother stating that she continued to grieve every day and believed he should remain behind bars.