Illinois Prisoner Review Board denies Sean Grayson early medical release

Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, convicted of second‑degree murder for the July 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey, was denied a compassionate‑release request by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Grayson, sentenced to 20 years and having served six months, applied under the state’s Joe Coleman Act, citing stage‑4 colon cancer that doctors said was irreversible and likely fatal within 18 months. The board’s three‑member panel voted unanimously (3‑0) to keep him incarcerated.

Massey’s family and their attorneys, including Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, praised the decision, saying it upheld the jury’s verdict. Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser also opposed release, calling it a miscarriage of justice. Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a statement calling Massey’s killing a “profound loss” and reiterated the state’s commitment to police‑reform legislation introduced after the case. The ruling follows extensive public protests and a U.S. Department of Justice review of the incident.