Sean Grayson denied early medical release from prison

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Prisoner Review Board decided today Sean Grayson will not be released from prison. The decision was made by a three-member panel from the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.

It was a 3-0 vote to deny the petition. Grayson can request early release again if he would like.

Before the review started, more than two dozen demonstrators stood outside the Prisoner Review Board building, asking that Grayson stay behind bars.

More than twenty members of the Massey family and supporters attended the hearing. This included Sonya Massey's cousins, children, father, and uncle.

No one came to the hearing in support of Grayson.

Sonya's cousin Sontae Massey, father James Wilburn, mother Donna Massey, and son Malachi Hill Massey all spoke against Grayson’s request for medical release.

Sean Grayson requested to be released from prison under the Medical Release Act. This act allows people in custody who are suffering from a terminal illness or medical incapacitation to apply for an early release.

Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025. In January 2026, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Since his imprisonment, Grayson has asked for his sentence to be re-considered. That request was denied.

Illinois prisoners can be granted medical release if they have a terminal illness, a condition that will result in medical incapacity within the next 6 months, or has become medically incapacitated subsequent to sentencing due to illness or injury.