Grayson’s cancer had spread to liver and lungs prior to 2024 shooting
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously Friday to deny early medical release to Sean Grayson, the former sheriff’s deputy convicted of second-degree murder for the killing of Sonya Massey, board spokesperson Liz Mitchell said in an email.
Grayson, who is white, had been diagnosed with colon cancer before the 2024 shooting. His attorney noted in January that the cancer had advanced to his liver and lungs, according to the Associated Press.
The three-member board voted to deny Grayson’s application for early medical release, Mitchell said.
Grayson was convicted in October of second-degree murder for Massey’s killing. The case sparked protests and drew a U.S. Department of Justice review, the Associated Press reported.
Body camera footage showed Grayson and another deputy enter Massey’s home in Springfield, Illinois, after the 36-year-old single mother called 911 about a possible prowler. Minutes later, Grayson shot Massey in the face as she moved a pot of hot water from the stove and told him, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” the footage showed.