Nationwide — Sean Grayson, the former Illinois sheriff’s deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey, will remain behind bars after the Illinois Prisoner Review Board rejected his request for early medical release. Grayson had asked to end his 20-year sentence early because of his advanced cancer diagnosis.
Grayson submitted his request under the Joe Coleman Act, a law that allows some incarcerated people with serious medical conditions to seek release if they are terminally ill or unable to care for themselves. He filed the request after serving about six months of his sentence.
According to NBC News, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted 3-0 to deny Grayson’s application, according to board spokesperson Liz Mitchell. The decision means Grayson will continue serving his sentence for the 2024 killing of Massey.
Grayson’s attorney, Mark Wykoff, said the former deputy was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2023. By the time Grayson was sentenced in January, the cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread to his liver, lungs, and rectum.
A medical professional who evaluated Grayson described his condition as “irreversible and incurable” and indicated that he could die within 18 months. However, the doctor determined that Grayson was not medically incapacitated because he could still perform daily tasks without assistance.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney John C. Milhiser opposed Grayson’s release request, arguing that he remained a threat to the public. He said Grayson’s cancer diagnosis did not change the seriousness of his actions in Massey’s death.
Grayson shot Massey inside her Illinois home in 2024 after she called 911 to report a possible prowler outside. Prosecutors said Massey picked up a pot of boiling water during the encounter, but Grayson fired his weapon three times, striking and killing her.
According to prosecutors, Grayson threatened to shoot Massey before she apologized and dropped to the floor. They also said he did not provide medical assistance after shooting her.
In his medical release application, Grayson claimed Massey attacked him with the boiling water and said he acted in self-defense. Massey’s family rejected his request for release.
Her mother, Donna Massey, spoke against the possibility of Grayson leaving prison. “He did it, and I’m done. He did it, and he is a menace to society. He should not be walking around,” she said.