Ex-deputy who shot Sonya Massey is denied a request for medical release from prison
The board said Grayson remains a danger after he sought release under Illinois’ medical-release law for advanced colon cancer.
- On Friday, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Sean Grayson's medical release request, keeping the former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy imprisoned for the 2024 murder of Sonya Massey.
- Citing Stage 4 colon cancer, Grayson sought release under the Joe Coleman Act after serving only six months of his 20-year sentence for the fatal shooting.
- Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser opposed the petition, arguing the judge explicitly weighed Grayson's condition during sentencing and that he remains a "substantial danger" to the community.
- A three-member panel voted 3-0 to deny the release, prompting dozens of Massey's family and supporters in attendance to clap and shout "thank you."
- Governor JB Pritzker called Massey's killing a "profound loss" and reaffirmed his commitment to police accountability through the Sonya Massey Bill, which aims to improve hiring practices.
71 Articles
71 Articles
Ex-sheriff’s deputy who killed Sonya Massey denied medical release from prison
The high-profile case that sparked national outrage hinged largely on graphic body-camera footage showing a white deputy fatally shooting a Black woman after she called 911 about a possible prowler.
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Illinois Prisoner Review Board denies early release for Sean Grayson
SPRINGFIELD – Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson will remain in prison, at least for the time being. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously Friday to deny Grayson’s application for compassionate release.
Pritzker Responds After Board Denies Sean Grayson’s Medical Release Petition
CHICAGO – Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson was denied medical release Friday, July 31, 2026, by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and will remain in prison serving his sentence for the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, according to the board’s decision following a hearing in Chicago.Grayson had petitioned for release under Illinois’ Medical Release Act after being diagnosed with cancer. He was convicted of second-degree murder i…
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