Sean Grayson, the former Illinois sheriff’s deputy convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her home in 2024 after she called 911 to report a prowler, has tragically died in prison, his attorney announced Sunday. Grayson, 32, was six months into a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder, a sentence imposed in 2025. The news comes after Grayson’s death is not immediately determined to be a result of cancer, according to a statement from Daniel Fultz, his attorney. The attorney, who represented Grayson during his trial, passed away around noon, according to a preliminary report. His sentencing was delayed in July when Grayson was denied medical release by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, a process that further complicated the case. The 2024 shooting was captured on body camera video and ignited widespread protests and calls for justice, prompting Grayson to be convicted in 2025. Court testimony reveals Grayson initially believed Massey was going to throw boiling water on him after she said, ‘I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’ When Grayson appeared confused, Massey repeated the sentence. According to prosecutors, Grayson fired three times, striking Massey with his firearm. He declined to provide medical care, as stated by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, who pronounced Massey dead at a hospital. The circumstances surrounding Grayson’s death remain under investigation, and the details of the incident are being scrutinized by authorities. Grayson’s defense attorney, Daniel Fultz, expressed his grief and stated that he died around noon, explaining that the 911 call, which was recorded, was a significant part of the trial. Fultz’s death adds another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the case. The situation is being closely monitored by legal experts and the public, who are grappling with the implications of Grayson’s death and the lingering questions surrounding the events of that fateful day. The legal team is currently investigating the cause of death and exploring potential avenues to determine whether cancer played a role. The long-term consequences for Grayson and the ongoing investigation are expected to have a significant impact on the justice system and the community. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The case is currently being treated as a homicide investigation, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the potential for a connection to the previous conviction for second-degree murder. The details of the body camera footage are being analyzed to reconstruct the events of that day, aiming to understand what transpired and to determine if there were any other factors that contributed to the tragic outcome. The investigation is being handled by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police.”’} ,
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Source: NBC News
