Sean Grayson, former Illinois deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey, dies in prison

(NBC, KYMA) - Former Illinois Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson, convicted in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, has died in prison.

He died around noon Central Sunday, according to his attorney, Daniel Fultz. He was six months into a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder.

Grayson was convicted last year in the 2024 shooting death of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, who had called 911 to report a prowler at her home.

Grayson responded shortly before 1 a.m. Central on July 6, 2024, and the shooting was captured on body camera video and sparked protests and calls for justice.

He was 32-years-old and had been battling advanced colon cancer. His cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread to his liver, lungs and rectum.

The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his request for medical release in July.

It was not immediately clear whether cancer caused Grayson's death.