Former Deputy Sean Grayson Dies in Custody While Serving Murder Sentence for Sonya Massey Killing

Sean Grayson, the former Illinois deputy convicted of murdering Sonya Massey in her home in 2024, has died in prison at the age of 32.

Grayson shot and killed Massey, 36, after she called 911 to report a suspected prowler at her Springfield residence. The case drew national attention and renewed scrutiny of police use of force.

During trial, Grayson claimed he fired because he believed Massey was about to throw a pot of boiling water at him. A jury found him guilty of second-degree murder last year.

Grayson had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer. His attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed his death on Sunday to the BBC, though the specific cause was not disclosed.

The Illinois Department of Corrections confirmed Grayson died at an out-of-state facility but also declined to provide a cause of death.

Attorneys for Massey’s family stated that Grayson’s death does not bring Sonya back. They extended prayers for peace to Grayson’s family, noting that Sonya’s family will grieve her loss for the rest of their lives, according to CBS News.

Massey’s killing sparked protests nationwide, with then-President Joe Biden stating that she “should be alive today.”

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