His attorney confirmed on Sunday that Grayson died in custody. Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson was serving a 20-year prison sentence for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey . Grayson had been battling stage 4 colon cancer and had recently been denied early medical release by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.
Sean Grayson’s death in custody from cancer does not bring Sonya back. His attorneys argued he reacted to a perceived threat. Massey’s relatives also opposed the request. Massey’s family fought to keep him in prison. Members of Sonya Massey’s family publicly opposed Grayson’s release. Her son, Malachi Massey, also questioned why Grayson sought compassion after showing none to his mother.
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They also extended condolences to Grayson’s family During the trial, Grayson testified that he believed Massey was going to throw boiling water at him and said he feared for his safety. Her cousin Sontae Massey said the family wanted to ensure Grayson remained behind bars. Her cousin, Sontae Massey, said the family would continue opposing any future release attempts. Sonya’s mother, Donna Massey, said she continued grieving every day and believed Grayson should remain imprisoned.
In a joint statement after news of his death, civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent the Massey family, said, “Sonya Massey’s death was unjustifiable, and she should be alive today.
