The Illinois Prisoner Review Board refused the medical release of Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy convicted of murdering Sonya Massey. The board’s 3-0 vote ensures Grayson remains in custody.
Grayson’s attorneys revealed he was diagnosed with colon cancer, which has metastasized to his liver. His application referenced a state law for those ‘suffering from a terminal illness or medical incapacitation.’ Despite this, the board denied his release.
An undated photo of Sonya Massey, who died from gunshot wounds administered by Grayson on July 6, 2024, was displayed during the hearing.
“Today the board recognized what this family has said from the start. No one is above accountability, and a badge does not provide an early way out,” expressed attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, representing Massey’s family.
The hearing followed Grayson’s sentencing to 20 years in prison for second-degree murder, the highest penalty possible under Illinois law. Graphic body-camera footage played a pivotal role in the case, showing Grayson, a white deputy, fatally shooting Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two. She had called 911 to report a possible prowler near her Springfield home.
After the incident, Grayson was dismissed from his position, and the then-Sheriff of Sangamon County resigned. Massey’s family, represented by Crump and Romanucci, secured a $10 million settlement from the county.
Governor JB Pritzker spoke about the case, referring to Massey’s death as “a profound loss that can never be reversed.” Last year, he signed the ‘Sonya Massey Bill,’ aimed at improving police hiring practices. Pritzker emphasized, “Sonya was innocent, unarmed, and calling law enforcement for help. It was a painful reminder that too many innocent Black Americans have faced this kind of violence — and they deserve justice.”
During the hearing, members of Massey’s family shared their emotional testimonies. Her father, James Wilburn, rejected the idea of Grayson being released, saying, “People have said to me, you know, he’s dying. Maybe as an act of compassion, he should be able to die amongst his family and friends. My baby didn’t have a chance to die amongst her family and friends.” Her mother, Donna Massey, described Grayson as a “menace to society who should not be walking around.”
The Sangamon County State’s Attorney also opposed Grayson’s medical release, highlighting the danger he poses. State’s Attorney John Milhiser stated, “He was already diagnosed with cancer when he shot and killed Sonya Massey in her kitchen. His temper and willingness to escalate minor misunderstandings into fatal encounters show that he poses a danger to any person he comes into contact with.”
Judge Ryan Cadagin had noted during sentencing that incarceration wouldn’t affect Grayson’s medical treatment compared to outside facilities. Following testimonies, the board members deliberated privately and reached their decision without disclosing their rationale. The outcome was met with applause and shouts of “thank you” from Massey’s family and supporters at the hearing.