SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – A hearing to reconsider the sentencing of the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy convicted of killing a woman inside her Springfield home in 2024 was moved to May.
Sean Grayson was convicted in the police killing of Sonya Massey after she dialed 911 to report a prowler at her home.
Grayson was unable to attend a hearing on Friday because he's receiving medical treatment, according to court records. His defense team asked for a continuance, and prosecutors did not object.Â
Grayson's motion to reconsider his sentencing was granted and rescheduled for May 8 at 2 p.m. in Sangamon County.Â
Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in January.
Judge Ryan Cadagin, in granting the request, noted that Grayson has the right to attend his own hearing.Â
Sonya Massey
Massey’s death sparked community outrage and legislative changes across the state of Illinois. Her death, captured on police body camera video, garnered national attention.
The Massey Commission was formed to help guide change and initiatives, including enhancing police hiring policies, mental health response and giving voters a recall option to remove a county sheriff from office. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell retired early following Massey’s killing amidst calls for him to step down.
Sean Grayson in an IDOC jumpsuit at an unknown location in January 2025.
Grayson has been behind bars since his arrest shortly after the shooting. During his sentencing, Grayson’s legal team argued for a lesser sentence, citing serious health concerns. The defense told the court that Grayson has been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, including stage 3 colon cancer that has since progressed to stage 4, with cancer also found in his liver, lungs and rectum.
Grayson will serve a two-year mandatory supervised release period after his prison sentence ends. He also received credit for time served.
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