Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, died Sunday while serving a 20-year prison sentence. He was 32.
Grayson’s former defense attorney, Daniel Fultz, confirmed his death on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Multiple news organizations, including The Associated Press and CBS Chicago, have since independently reported the death.
Grayson had been diagnosed with colon cancer before Massey’s 2024 death. His attorneys previously said the cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread to his liver and lungs.
While some reporting has attributed Grayson’s death to cancer, an official cause of death had not been publicly confirmed as of Monday morning.
Subscribe on YouTube and join thousands of officers, attorneys, and citizens who follow Cop Talk LIVE for fact-based analysis—not headlines.
▶ Subscribe Here: https://www.youtube.com/@CopTalkLIVE
Attorney Confirms Grayson’s Death
Fultz confirmed that Grayson died Sunday but did not publicly provide additional details regarding the circumstances of his death.
The Associated Press reported that Grayson died while serving his sentence. NPR Illinois separately reported that Fultz confirmed Grayson’s death but that the precise location and cause of death had not yet been publicly confirmed.
TMZ reported, citing sources close to the situation, that Grayson died from colon cancer. That reported cause should be considered attributed information unless and until it is confirmed through official medical or correctional records.
Grayson Had Advanced Colon Cancer
Grayson had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023, according to reporting and information presented during his criminal proceedings.
By 2026, his attorneys said the cancer had advanced to Stage 4 and spread to other areas of his body, including his liver and lungs. Other reporting associated with his medical-release proceedings indicated the disease had also affected his rectum.
His medical condition became a significant issue during sentencing and later during his attempt to obtain an early medical release from state custody.
Medical Release Request Denied Weeks Before Death
Grayson applied in May for medical release under Illinois law, citing his advanced cancer.
On July 31, 2026, a three-member panel of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board unanimously voted 3-0 to deny his application, meaning Grayson would remain in custody.
At the time, Grayson was approximately six months into the 20-year sentence imposed in January.
Information obtained by Capitol News Illinois through the Freedom of Information Act showed that Grayson continued to characterize the shooting in his application as an incident in which Massey had attacked him with a pot of boiling water.
The Prisoner Review Board’s decision came less than a month before his death.
Grayson Convicted of Second-Degree Murder
A jury convicted Grayson in October 2025 of second-degree murder in Massey’s death.
He had originally faced first-degree murder charges, but jurors returned a verdict on the lesser offense.
On January 29, 2026, Sangamon County Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin sentenced Grayson to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, the maximum prison term authorized for the conviction. The sentence was also followed by two years of mandatory supervised release.
Grayson had been held in custody since his arrest following the shooting and was entitled to credit for time served.
CLICK HERE to get your copy of
The Fatal Shooting of Sonya Massey
Massey, 36, called 911 during the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, to report what she believed could be a prowler outside her Springfield-area home.
Grayson and another Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy responded.
The encounter eventually moved into Massey’s home and was captured in significant part on the other deputy’s body-worn camera.
During the interaction, deputies discussed a pot of hot water on Massey’s stove. Massey moved toward the pot and later made the statement, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
Grayson testified during his criminal trial that he interpreted Massey’s words and actions involving the pot as a threat and believed she was going to throw hot water at him.
Body-camera footage showed Grayson draw his firearm and threaten to shoot Massey before firing three rounds. Massey was struck and died from the shooting.
Prosecutors disputed Grayson’s claim that deadly force was justified under the circumstances, and the jury ultimately found him guilty of second-degree murder.
Body-Camera Evidence Became Central to the Case
The body-camera recording became a central piece of evidence in the criminal prosecution and subsequent public examination of the shooting.
Grayson’s own body camera was not activated during much of the initial encounter, but the second deputy’s camera recorded the shooting.
At trial, Grayson maintained that he believed Massey posed an immediate threat with the hot water.
His former partner, Dawson Farley, testified that he did not perceive Massey’s religious statement as a threat and testified that he did not initially believe Massey posed a danger requiring deadly force.
The jury’s second-degree murder verdict reflected a finding under Illinois law that differed from the first-degree murder charge originally brought by prosecutors.
Case Prompted National Attention and Policy Changes
Massey’s death generated national attention, demonstrations and renewed scrutiny of police hiring, training, use-of-force practices and interactions with people experiencing behavioral or mental health crises.
The case also led to governmental and institutional changes.
Illinois enacted legislation known as the Sonya Massey Act addressing law-enforcement hiring and background-review procedures. The U.S. Department of Justice also conducted a civil rights review involving Sangamon County law enforcement practices.
Sangamon County additionally reached a $10 million settlement with Massey’s family in connection with her death.
Massey Family Attorneys Respond
Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent Massey’s family, issued a statement following reports of Grayson’s death.
The attorneys said Massey’s death remained a permanent loss for her family while also extending wishes of peace to Grayson’s family as they grieve. CBS Chicago and NBC Chicago reported the statement Sunday.
Current Status
As of August 24, 2026:
- Sean Grayson is confirmed dead at age 32.
- His former attorney Daniel Fultz confirmed that Grayson died Sunday, August 23.
- Grayson had advanced Stage 4 colon cancer that had spread beyond the colon.
- Some media reports have attributed his death to cancer, but an official cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.
- Grayson had been serving a 20-year sentence following his October 2025 conviction for second-degree murder.
- The Illinois Prisoner Review Board unanimously denied his request for medical release on July 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sean Grayson?
Sean Grayson was a former Sangamon County, Illinois, sheriff’s deputy who was convicted of second-degree murder in the July 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey.
How old was Sean Grayson when he died?
Grayson was 32 years old.
When did Sean Grayson die?
His attorney confirmed that he died Sunday, August 23, 2026.
What was Sean Grayson convicted of?
A jury convicted Grayson of second-degree murder in October 2025 for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey.
How long was Sean Grayson sentenced to prison?
Grayson received a 20-year prison sentence on January 29, 2026, followed by two years of mandatory supervised release.
Did Sean Grayson die from cancer?
Grayson had Stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to other organs. Some reporting has attributed his death to cancer, but an official cause of death had not been publicly confirmed as of August 24, 2026.
Did Sean Grayson request release because of his cancer?
Yes. Grayson applied for medical release in May 2026 because of his advanced cancer. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board unanimously denied the application on July 31.
Why did Sean Grayson say he shot Sonya Massey?
Grayson testified that he believed Massey was going to throw hot water at him and that he interpreted her statement, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” as threatening. Prosecutors challenged his account, and the shooting was examined through body-camera footage and witness testimony during his trial.
🚔 JOIN US FOR ROLL CALL
On the first Sunday of every month, Cop Talk LIVE Patreon members meet for an exclusive members-only Roll Call — real conversation, direct access, and discussion you won’t get anywhere else.
👉 CLICK Cop Talk LIVE Patreon today and be part of the next Roll Call.
About The Author
Discover more from Cop Talk LIVE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
