Grayson Dies in Prison Despite Cancer Denial | Little Rock News

Sean Grayson, the former sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home last year, has died in prison from stage four colon cancer. Despite being deemed terminally ill—with the disease having spread to his liver, lungs, and rectum—his request for early release under Illinois’ medical parole law was denied by a 3-0 vote from the Prisoner Review Board. Doctors said he had about 18 months to live, but he wasn’t medically incapacitated, meaning he could still perform daily tasks independently. Prosecutors and Massey’s family opposed release, arguing his illness didn’t erase the danger he posed. Grayson shot Massey after responding to a prowler call; she reportedly picked up a pot of boiling water, which he claimed she used to attack him. The state’s attorney noted Grayson was already diagnosed with cancer at the time of the shooting, emphasizing his volatile behavior remained a threat. Massey’s mother called him a menace, reinforcing the board’s decision to keep him behind bars until his death. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bf16e0f1dcf1af04