Sean Grayson, former deputy who shot Sonya Massey, died in prison

Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff's deputy who shot Sonya Massey in her home, died Sunday in prison, where he was serving a 20-year sentence. 

Grayson's attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed his client died early Sunday but didn't provide further details, the Associated Press reported. 

In 2024, Massey called to report a prowler outside her home. Grayson was dispatched to the scene and entered her apartment. Massey picked up a pot of boiling water, and Grayson backed away. Massey told Grayson, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." 

According to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser, Grayson pointed his gun at Massey and threatened to shoot her. When she apologized and dropped to the floor, Grayson fired his weapon three times. Grayson, Milhiser said, declined to offer her medical care, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Grayson was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023, his attorney said in January, after Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder. By the time of the sentencing, the cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread throughout his body.

Last month, Grayson asked to end his 20-year prison sentence after serving six months. A medical professional who evaluated Grayson as part of the early release application determined that his condition is "irreversible and incurable," and concluded that Grayson is likely to die in the next 18 months. 

Included in his application for early release, Grayson said that Massey attacked him with a pot of boiling water, prompting him to shoot her. His request was denied.