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Former Deputy Sean Grayson Dies After Conviction in Sonya Massey Killing

Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County deputy convicted in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, has died, according to reports.

4 reports on this incident · first at Aug 23, 2026, 6:39 p.m. ET

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 23, 2026, 6:23 p.m. ETUpdated Aug 23, 2026, 9:10 p.m. ET
Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County deputy in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, has died, according to reports from cities929.com and the Chicago Sun-Times, published August 23, 2026. Grayson was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, a mother of two, in her home on July 6, 2024, as reported by cities929.com. The reports conflict on the outcome of his criminal case: cities929.com reports he was to 20 years in prison, while the Chicago Sun-Times reports he was and received a . The exact status of the proceedings remains unclear due to the conflicting accounts. The cause of Grayson's death has not been determined.

Earlier reports

  1. Aug 23, 2026, 7:22 p.m. ET

    Former Deputy Sean Grayson Pleads Guilty in Sonya Massey Killing

    Former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, according to cities929.com. Grayson admitted to fatally shooting the 36-year-old mother of two in her home on July 6, 2024. He was sentenced to a 20-year prison term, the outlet reported on August 23, 2026.

    Grayson, a former deputy, had previously been convicted and sentenced to 20 years in the case, but the plea represents a formal admission of guilt. The sentencing has been completed, according to the report.

  2. Aug 23, 2026, 6:52 p.m. ET

    Former Deputy Sentenced to 20 Years in Sonya Massey Killing

    Former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, in her home on July 6, 2024. The sentence was reported by cities929.com.

    Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. The sentencing was announced on August 23, 2026, according to cities929.com.

  3. Aug 23, 2026, 6:39 p.m. ETFirst report

    Former Deputy Who Killed Sonya Massey Dies After Conviction

    Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County deputy convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey, has died, according to a report from cities929.com published on August 23, 2026.

    Grayson was sentenced to a 20-year prison term after being found guilty of fatally shooting the 36-year-old mother of two in her home on July 6, 2024, as reported by cities929.com. The circumstances of his death have not been detailed in the report.

    The case drew national attention and sparked protests over police use of force. The investigation into the shooting had been ongoing, and the cause of Grayson's death has not been determined.

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Revision history

  1. Version 324 Aug 2026, 01:10current

    Updated to reflect that Grayson was convicted, not merely charged, and to clarify the conflicting reports on sentencing.

  2. Version 223 Aug 2026, 23:44

    Updated to reflect reports of Grayson's death and conflicting accounts of sentencing versus conviction.

  3. Version 123 Aug 2026, 22:52current

    First published.

  4. Version 123 Aug 2026, 22:39current

    First published.

  5. Version 123 Aug 2026, 23:22current

    First published.

  6. Version 123 Aug 2026, 22:44

    First published.

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